Creativity, Wellness & a Reciprocal Way of Being

My wellbeing is grounded on getting creative and connecting with the natural world about me. The act of creating, in whatever form it may take, is a healing act… whether it expresses itself through art, music, weaving, growing, building, writing, dancing, crafting… whatever works for you!

​This month, I have the delight of deepening my connection with the natural world at a wonderful herbalist school in Ireland. In the small village of Coachford on the River Lee in County Cork, Veriditas Hibernica is set in a repurposed old stone church. Here, I’m learning all about plants... as medicines, foods, how to grow them, prepare them and connect with them. Nikki runs the school and shares her wealth of knowledge with a range of students, to beginners (like me) and with those in formal apprenticeships. ​

Outside, the church is surrounded by green. There’s 300+ varieties of plants on the grounds, and Nikki knows and cares for each one. Most everything growing is a medicine or for culinary use. Of course, often, plants are both. Nikki moves about the gardens with ease, casually gesturing “oh this is that, and can be used for that…” Frequent tea breaks mean more great conversations with knowledgable students.

Inside, arched, stained glass windows let in the light, and the walls are lined floor to ceiling with books. On every surface, something is brewing, steeping or being stored. Admittedly, I had a Beauty & the Beast moment, awestruck and full of joy peering at all the books, wishing I had a ladder to swing from.

I strain to keep up with and absorb all the wisdom in this place. I’m so eager to learn to work with medicines which rise from the earth, rather than relying entirely on what comes in a package over the counter. There’s something rather empowering about knowing how to care for oneself and your people, and when possible, I much prefer it to waiting under florescent lighting for doctors.

Reciprocal Way of Being

So often we see nature as something from which to take - natural resources, foods and medicines for our physical health and as a place of calm for our mental wellbeing. Here though, a reciprocal way of being with nature is nurtured. We’re gently encouraged that the foundation of working with plants is ensuring that you are caring for yourself as well. Being with yourself in a good way opens you up to understand what the natural world can teach us. And what we may offer in return.

Before my first workshop, my host at the nearby B&B joked Veriditas Hibernica is a bit like something out of Harry Potter. They weren’t far off.

I can’t wait to plant my moon garden.

The "Elm Cafe" at Veriditas Hibernica

Check out Veriditas Hibernica at www.veriditashibernica.org. For my friends across the pond, they’ll be posting on their new website videos and resources from workshops in the nearish future.