Hearth, Herbals & Sound June 2020
Hello Kind Hearts,

Right now I am sitting up north listening to the birds, basking in the afterglow of time spent near the water, and listening to the chatting of my boys. It's the very end of June. Summertime, warmth and goodness. It reminds me of growing up and my connection to the Sky, the Land and the Divine. 
It's fair to share, that in my youth I moved a lot within provinces and within Canada.

I am from the west. When I was younger our schools had Indigenous hoop dancers and Elders come to our visits. One of my schools had us split into groups each year; the Assiniboine, Blackfoot, Cree or Sioux. We visited places like Batoche, Buffalo Pound, Old Wives Lake, Wanaskewin, and much of my holidays was spent in Northern Saskatchewan. There was only one road that went north at that time, and I remember being mesmerized by the Northern Lights as we went.
My Dad continues to serve his Indigenous community by working with individuals through AA, and spends time mentoring to youth at the high school. He served in protecting the town and area while the Land was absolutely on fire several years ago. This last winter my Dad was able to visit the provincial parliament to question transparency around funding for healthcare for Northern Communities. My brother volunteers for the Band (council) in providing housing for low-income families, and recently my brother and several other men worked together in providing visual presence that is needed for mental health for men. They formed a group Men of the North, which provides peer and professional support. This group serves mainly Indigenous communities. 

Several weeks ago I was able to provide healing for both my Indigenous & European lineage in participating in a dialogue with the vice-chair of the Library Association of Canada! I am still not quite sure how that blessed opportunity came to sit in my hands! This happened one week before the very sad tragedy in the States, so the timing could not have been better guided.

I addressed some very offensive & hurtful language that was being used to categorize the Indigenous material in our local library, and through dialogue we put some concrete steps in place for appropriate changes in different areas of the library. I was able to articulate some of the Indigenous worldviews that were literally being lost in translation, so they could better understand how to set things right. They have a vested interest in reconciliation. The two individuals that I spoke with were very clear in their support, and the other interested parties (via email) are also aware of the types of changes to take place. My prayer is that these changes are able to move through the rest of Canada as part of reconciliation to benefit future generations.

As Metis, I live with both cultural shame and cultural pain. Forgiveness has been really paramount for my healing over the last several years. I spend time listening, sharing & praying for others (as they ask) to also soften their hearts to forgiveness in all areas of their lives. It’s never to say that what happened was right, it’s to say that the darkness doesn’t get to win.

It can be very hard to hear the painful stories right now. This listening serves both the Indigenous and European Peoples of past and present. Individuals who have ever participated in recovery programs know the value of sharing the harm they’ve caused while asking for an apology. It’s hard to accept forgiveness while we still have secrets sitting in the dark. When you listen to the stories, you validate the pain of the harmed persons while providing an opportunity for the offender to come clean. That’s how cycles truly stop, when we support healing as a community.

As I follow-up from last month with Herbs of Communication, I’d like to introduce you to a familiar friend,

Peppermint- Mentha piperita
The uplifting aroma of the Mints are the herbal cheering team to remind us that we have the curiosity, the commitment, and the inspiration to try; a new path, a friendship, a change in jobs, a shift in personal habits or a fresh lens in which to see ourselves and our wonderful world that we are apart of.
Fresh Peppermint tea in the morning is so soothing and supportive of our digestive system. In the summer I make a tea blend from my garden with Mint, Lemon Verbena, and Lemon Balm. Sometimes I might add some raspberry leaves too.
Peppermint is an uplifting oil, maybe one or two drops in 15ml, combined with something like Lavender and Clary Sage. One or two drops of the essential oil can be added to an un-scented foot cream to help with circulation, sore muscles, sore joints, and to uplift the spirit. I also use a small amount of peppermint when making lip balm as well for a refreshing application. Peppermint lends itself to focus, purpose and insight. Peppermint allows us to digest things at both a physical and emotional level.
Affirmation: I bring purpose when I am present. When I anchor in the moment, my higher purpose reveals itself.

Suggested use: 2-3 drops in 15ml of massage blend (not recommended for use in the bath), 1-2 drops in 15ml of cream or lotion. 2-3 drops for occasional use in a diffuser. For a muscular pain relief formula for acute pain 5-7 drops in 15ml of lotion, for adults only.
It is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, reduces severity of nausea, anti-viral, decongestant, expectorant, stimulates immune cells and supports liver function.
Precautions: Use at 1-2% even for healthy adults. Minimal use if you have anxiety or PTSD or other nervous conditions. Do not use if you have clotting disorder. Not for children, not for use in cases of cardiac fibrillation and for G6PD deficiency.
Reflection:

-Are you comfortable with knowing how to change the questions that you ask, to fine tune the answers that you seek?-Is there a situation that you are having a difficult time swallowing? What would help you to make peace with this situation? Where could you productively redirect your focus instead?
-Are you able to slow down when it's time to eat?
-How do you feel about surprises?
-What do you need inspiration for the most?

Sounding into Healing
When recording, I heard a woman talking to the Stones and asking if they had seen her son.  I've also included a wee flute song called Sisters.
Offer up a song, a prayer, a cry or even laughter for someone you feel would benefit.
Sound into healing that sings to you.
Emotion has the word motion in it. They need to move. Often, if I am not spending a walk in prayer then I will dedicate that walk to someone or a group of people. I keep them in my heart while meandering, when I am huffing out of breath or admiring the view.
When you do that, you’ll hear the sunrise sing in return.

Community Sound Circles & Events
A few safe happenings are in the works, stay tuned!


You are often in my prayers
and carried in my heart,
Many blessings,
Sarah