Well, I don’t know about you, but my nervous system feels as though it has suffered a deep shock.
A friend put it succinctly: “I’m feeling betrayed, afraid, sickened, disgusted, tired, scared, and sad for our children. I will march on, healing those I can, and trying to spread love and kindness.”
These are the overarching responses I’ve been hearing from others and experiencing myself since I woke up on Wednesday morning. The aspect of this post-election reality that lifts me is that we immediately turn to love in times that feel like 911 ought to be called.
When the fires started changing our landscape here in California, we may have had to evacuate, but we grew that much closer with our neighbors, checking to make sure they were safe, and found ways to help where help was most needed. Thanks to Corazón and Ariel Kelley who organized us, Healdsburg offered up a free store, and we got to work collecting and sorting donations of all kinds, making a warehouse, and then the former diVine Pizza space into a “shop” for those who lost their homes and belongings. After the 2016 election results, Jessica Martin drew us to the plaza where we had a spontaneous dance party, and a very large group hug. Years later, she headed up a project that continues to feel very necessary. If you haven’t called PepToc (707-873-7862) or paged through the book yet, try it! I think you’ll feel your heart lighten just a bit.
Anyone who grew up watching Mr. Rogers might turn to his memory in times of stress, wishing we could all sit and watch him change his blazer for a cardigan, and visit the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. One of the quotes that we can hold is:
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
We can be the helpers. And herbs can be the helpers.
This tincture from Farmacopia has it all. I love milky oats for supporting my nervous system, turning to it when I need to take it down many notches. The addition of two of my other allies, lemon balm and kava, make it a no-brainer, and I’ve just ordered an 8-ounce bottle. Farmacopia is a great local resource. I encourage you to poke around their shop and website.
A few years ago when my family experienced a different kind of shock, a very dear friend brought over a hug and a box of Traditional Medicinal’s Cup of Calm. We steeped cup after cup of that tea, holding onto it like it was a cozy, security blanket. I am usually a loose-leaf, blend-my-own type of tea drinker. But in times of stress, we need help to be easy. Hot water and herbs, whether in a pre-packed bag or mixed into a tea pot, offer up simple, soothing support.
Some of us feel stress expressed in our digestive system. Currently, I’m finding myself feeling nauseous and without much of an appetite. That is not good. We need to nourish ourselves. Eating bitter greens or taking a dose of bitters before we tuck into whatever else we’re having can help waken the digestive system. I wrote more about bitters here, and included a recipe that will bring adaptogens into our days here.
I want you to find the support that can most help you now. And I want it to be easy.
Sometimes we need to remember that just sharing a hug, a dance, or a cup of tea with a friend is the medicine we need. Watching the sunrise, petting a cat, showing up with dinner for someone who is really going through it redirects our energy. These are the ways we can keep ourselves going in situations that may feel dire. Watch out for our neighbors. Cultivate community. Cultivate compassion and understanding where we seriously doubt it can be found. We have to find a way to move forward, caring for others, taking each moment as it comes. Herbs can help. Baths and naps and hikes can help. If you need any clarity on which herbs are right for you, reach out. I’m happy to try and point you in the right direction. Until then, deep breaths, soft blankets, and lots of TLC.
heart medicine: rose
heart medicine: hawthorn
