I remember walking around a lake with my brother Jay one summer when he was in Rabbinical school and I was starting my study of herbs. Though we didn’t fully understand each other then, we had a moment of connection as we shared what each of us loved about our chosen paths. What we said was surprisingly similar— I love herbalism because, in a way, it is everything. You can go in so many different directions, like botany, chemistry, spirit, lore. And there is such an abundance of plants to get to know that it would take lifetimes to build relationships with them all. Jay had a related take on the depth, breadth, and intensity of the Jewish tradition. There’s something exciting about apprenticing yourself to a discipline you can’t ever hope to fully master. And there’s something freeing about this realization, too.
Such gorgeous medicine, Ben. Deeply resonant in my plant relationship practice and beyond. I literally just sorted and cleared out to too-much-medicine in my apothecary borne of going too fast. I noticed with gratitude that much was bottled a couple of years ago--helping me notice again how I've begun to slow into relationship. Kavanot became part of my broader spiritual practice as I learned of this frame in earth-loving Jewish spaces; it's a blessing to read your weaving of this rich word-frame-shape with your herbalism and feel how it sits cozily in my body. Thank you, and yasher koach <3
Delicious- I love this new word you’ve taught me, thank you. As you described, my first years of herb studies were a frantic effort to learn all the things and make all the medicine 😊. This year I’ve settled into a deeper relationship with 3 herbs that I savour. Much more rewarding! I will be adding more Kavanah to more practices.
Such gorgeous medicine, Ben. Deeply resonant in my plant relationship practice and beyond. I literally just sorted and cleared out to too-much-medicine in my apothecary borne of going too fast. I noticed with gratitude that much was bottled a couple of years ago--helping me notice again how I've begun to slow into relationship. Kavanot became part of my broader spiritual practice as I learned of this frame in earth-loving Jewish spaces; it's a blessing to read your weaving of this rich word-frame-shape with your herbalism and feel how it sits cozily in my body. Thank you, and yasher koach <3
Beautiful! Thank you!
Written with a deep sense of kavanah and wisdom. Kol h’gavod
Delicious- I love this new word you’ve taught me, thank you. As you described, my first years of herb studies were a frantic effort to learn all the things and make all the medicine 😊. This year I’ve settled into a deeper relationship with 3 herbs that I savour. Much more rewarding! I will be adding more Kavanah to more practices.