When we first moved to the valley from our busy NOVA lives, we were in awe of the abundance of natural gifts the land held. This gratitude for nature’s bounty has persistently influenced our own healing journeys, and our work through CYANWOOD Natural Lifestyles Center, and through The Blackberry Herbarium.
Guiding clients toward more natural, balanced and sustainable wellness, we not only offer services, but we share what we call Natural Lifestyle Practices in our workshops, newsletters, Natural Living Blog, on Instagram and in Shenandoah Living Magazine. Below are our TOP THREE favorite Winter practices that honor the inner and outer energies of the season.
Tending to Neighbors and Friends
During the colder month of January, we recommend generating warmth within, through the practice of tending to loved ones. As herbal medicine makers, we teach and share simple recipes made with local ingredients, for soothing herbal teas, herbal sachets, and anti-viral soup spice mixes to nourish the body through colds and flus. But you don’t have to be crafty to let others know you care – a small posy of Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano and Sage, is a lovely offering and easy to put together from fresh local herbs from The Friendly City Food Co-op. Ultimately, what’s really important is the face-to-face well wishes.
Deep Rest and Nourishment
Observing the natural energies of Winter, we see the trees shed their excess, and drop leaves in a blanket over their roots and other plants, who share the benefit of extra insulation. We see the birds and squirrels, puff up their coats and feathers, and hide away, but for the occasional quiet foraging. When we look inward, we notice in ourselves a desire for richer more filling foods, warm socks and fluffy sweaters, and even an earlier bed time. We tell our clients “it’s ok to give yourself permission” to rest, eat MORE healthy fats from local nuts, seeds, meats, cheeses and yogurts, enjoy an herbal tea with EXTRA honey, or answer the call to slow down and blanket your own body in warmth and wellness, however you see fit.
Planting the Inner Seeds for Spring
We weren’t always aware of our own internal clocks and needs – we were also raised to perform, succeed, and keep going at all costs! Burnout and disease ensued, and we learned the hard way that we can live in ease and joy when we prioritize balance and sustainability, over productivity. Now, we assist clients through the process of identifying their values and weaving them into daily routine. In Winter, for example, we often ask ourselves and our clients, “What seed(s) can you plant and nurture now, that you’d like to see grow and come to life in the Spring? What do you need to mindfully shed between now and then? How can you be your own source of nourishment to bring this seedling to life?”
Helping folks design lifestyle practices around the seasons to bring joy, connection and purpose, is part of the work we do through our Herbal Wellness and Natural Living Consults. You can learn more, and even "craft your own" consult at theblackberryherbarium.com/the-experience
We also write, share recipes and host day long and weekend retreats with herbal crafts, bioregional foods and mindfulness practices.
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