“A revolution takes time to settle in” ~ Lanza del Vasto
The moment I see the mountain range of my current home beckoning me back into my comfort zone. I felt the weight of the journey fall from my shoulders, and a smile came upon my face. I come upon my home and wonder why I ever leave. The plants outside are dying of thirst, yet the plants in the house are growing and thriving, and the peacefulness of the corner of the world I’ve created into a sanctuary cradles my weary body and soul. Erik and I land, and I can see on his face the joy of knowing he has landed where we can both release any pressures and surrender onto the floor for rest. The expansion of the landscape and my home fosters the integrative process.
I know that most people don’t land back in a place of peace once they’ve been out in the world. However, I’ve spent my whole life creating these spaces for myself and others. Environment is a top priority for me. I used to allow others to hurt me by saying I had too high of expectations or expensive taste. Still, I quickly realized that being clean, decluttered, and simple is not costly or unattainable. It’s even more sustainable. However, I never judge because what one person considers peaceful differs from others.
The nourishment the space one creates is paramount for integration. Hosting private integration retreats for single mothers, men stepping into their power, couples, and those who have been through intense plant medicine experiences is created from this explicit desire for a space to nourish my clients. Creating a place of peace is my life’s work for others to benefit the nurturing of living within abundance.
Returning home reminded me of my passion for the Herbal Warrior of the Light that I am. The version of myself in 2013 – 2014 saw the vision of being a clinical herbalist. Then the 2017 version of myself that knew my place was in plant medicine integration after five years of supporting and being in countless plant medicine ceremonies. The Herbal Warrior of the Light wanted to be back, front, and center. She wants to come out here without a business strategy and be herself. Content with storytelling, shifting paradigms, and slowly offering the wisdom blooming to be seen now with the nectar and pollen for spreading.
I want to share in this newsletter some of the integrative techniques I utilize to support fragile, intimate time. I focus on nourishing the soul and spirit to process the intense ebbs and flows of emotion. This results from honoring the sensitive, subtle nature we all encompass. That innocent part of yourself that wants to be held and nourished, loved, and accepted. That gentle part of yourself that is vulnerable wants to be witnessed and respected for the wisdom it contains. A portion of ourselves that is continuously quieted or seen as weak. I see this as your strength.
My top integrative techniques for supporting fragile and intimate time:
- Have a beautiful space to land. I always try to leave my home exactly how I want to return to it after a journey. I create an altar that is activated before I depart for my journey. No matter how long I’ll be gone.
If you live with people, agree to have the house a certain way and claim a corner that no one will touch for your altar.
The other thing I’ve done when I lived with other people is splurged and hire a cleaning person to come the day or the day before I arrive to ensure the home is in a condition that allows me to land without needing to clean. This is to allow yourself the space to come home and relax immediately.
- Have a day or two with no plans after you return. There should be nothing on your schedule. It’s a radical act to figure out how to rest. I know it’s not easy. You might already be clenching and thinking it’s not possible – it’s a mindset, and it’s a practice. If these things were easy, you wouldn’t want to know how to integrate. Trust me, give yourself time.
- Don’t share with everyone about your adventure. If possible, stay in your own space; if you’re a person who enjoys the company of those you love, ask for them to be there and for you to share your adventure at a later date.
There is a potency in honoring your personal experience before sharing it with the world.
- Journal Journal Journal. Journaling has been my constant since I was five years old. Yes, I have all my journals since then. I’m sentimental in that way. Something about writing down where I am is useful. I’ve used my journals to remember, reflect, and release. Sometimes I never look at them; other times, I go down a rabbit hole of reading what I’ve written over the years. There is nothing like reading an entry all about what you want out of life three years later and realizing you’ve accomplished all your dreams. It affirms. If you don’t enjoy journaling, do something creative that memorializes where you are now.
- Nature time. I firmly live by the creed that we’re always in nature 100% of the time. You can’t escape it. People have surrounded themselves with so many artificial materials that they forget they’re always on the planet Earth. Therefore, you’re in nature.
However, something is genuinely beautiful about being in a place where artificial materials are few and far between. It nourishes the soul. If you can only sit on a porch, make that porch the most beautiful spot. Once again, this all goes back to the environment. How can you make your environment the most conducive to your processing?
- Herbs!!!! I would be remiss to leave out the power of herbs in integration. I have a whole business and life purpose-built on the infinite support of herbs in our journeys in the world.
Especially if you’re seeking plant medicine for your healing, you desire a constant, consistent connection to nature. There is no better way to foster that relationship than with herbs. You can drink your favorite herbs or work with someone like me to help you determine the best herbs for your integrative process.
- Touch and Love. I believe this one needs to be included in the integration. There is something so profound with being held. I suggest finding a friend you feel safe with that will hug you, snuggle you on the couch, or hold your hand in silence or with excellent music.
It doesn’t have to be sexual or sensual. I encourage you to experience touch without a desire to be intimate beyond the action of being held. You will discover the pure intimacy that occurs, allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough for someone to touch you without wanting something from you.
- GET SUPPORT! I can’t stress this point enough.
We’re not meant to do this alone.
People might look down on hiring support, therapy, or support in that way. I understand that friends, family, and relationships can be the support, and you don’t have to pay. However, there are a whole host of people whose passion, dreams, and business are built on supporting people through transition.
There is something to be said for investing in yourself to be directed and held by those who are integrity and make it their daily work to guide others.
I remind myself that it’s not spending money and more about investing in myself. Especially if you spent XX amount of dollars on a plant medicine ceremony, begin to incorporate healing support in your integration and plant medicine budget.
- Movement. Incorporate movement in your life, walking, dancing, lovemaking, hiking, and yoga.
- Breathwork. Get connected to your breath. If you’re not already familiar with breathing, I highly suggest it. As a yogi, my preference is pranayama. However, there are numerous breathwork sessions available, depending on your preference. Once again, this is a great place to find a suitable professional to guide you.
Those are ten ways that I focus on integration. They might seem arbitrary, mundane, or, OF COURSE, THOSE THINGS, but are you doing them?
As I’ve advanced my integrative techniques, I spend way more time getting support than before. I used to think I could do it all alone, but that is sometimes boring and depressing. Lately, I’ve been integrating my desire for community, love, and touch into my routine. It’s been a joy, scary, and confronting. I realized much vulnerability within me that wants to be expressed but has been afraid to showcase itself. In community and relation, I’m given that opportunity. Alone, I could pretend I learned something, but relationship teaches me there are many more fears than I could imagine.
There is more to the story, as always. I want to continue to share about the warrior’s path and how it’s not about fighting anything but overcoming being a victim and loving in our most genuine, authentic innocent-born nature. It’s your birthright.
So tune in next time as I go further.
I also want to hear from you. Are you aligned with these ten integrative techniques? Which one is your preference? Is there a technique you want me to expand upon?
Journal Prompts:
What in your current environment is holding you back from feeling peace?
Are you able to utilize one technique today to integrate?
When was the last time you made touch a priority without the intent for pleasure only?