Talking to plants…

3 years ago, I introduce myself to a plant.

Literally, a full on introduction- out loud. It was different & new. It wasn’t like I hadn’t be in relationship with nature before, but I had never put words to it like this.

A proper introduction. A “hello, and how are you?”

In a lesson during my week at herbal school in Guatemala, we were asked to find a plant & to introduce ourselves to them. My teachers said “it will feel weird at first",” and something along the lines of- don’t put any of your cognitive blocks into it, just introduce yourself and listen.

They said it might be hard to decipher what the plants were saying and that my mind would create stories that get in the way of the introduction & conversation- as the mind does.

They also said that when the plant was ready to talk to me, they would- and that I would simply know.

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All week I had my eye on this jade vine. I wasn’t sure “what” or rather who they were. All I knew, was what I felt. They were unique and bold. A vibrant teal unlike any color I had ever seen in nature. Almost ethereal and other-worldly. This plant felt a bit like a wise extraterrestrial being. I didn’t even know what to call this plant until after my interaction when I asked my teacher- “who are they?”

The whole week I had this plant on my mind and I had no idea that she was calling me. But, one day- I introduced myself.

And on a different day, I was going through quite a bit of emotional turmoil. We had this lesson around ethical harvesting, and my teacher asked us if we ask permission before picking a plant. It brought me deep into feeling, and all of this memory I had around my connection with nature. On how well intended I was, awestruck by the beauty that surrounds me. And what I realized was that in many instances I wasn’t asking permission from nature. And that there were many times I could have been much more intentional in my relationship with plants. I realized I was asking for permission, but I wasn’t listening to the answers.

This perspective shift was the beginning of any even deeper relationship with the earth, and with the plants. I put words to the concept I knew in my heart. And from there wisdom grew.

The wisdom that loving nature is a reciprocal and reverent relationship.

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So, as I shed guilt and built awareness, I felt like I needed to get away from the group and just let whatever I was feeling come to the surface.

I was judging myself for having such an emotional reaction to the days lesson. Feeling different, weak, and not understanding why others weren’t feeling as I was. Or rather, expressing their emotion as I was.

With ease I went and sat with jade vine. Once again, hearing her call.

I journaled, and cried. And all of this emotion came to the surface. And this plant- they held me. They didn’t need to touch any physical part of me to make an imprint on my soul, and to teach. me quite a profound lesson. They said quite clearly “be uniquely YOU, ALL of you.” And they said “you are not too much, all of you is welcome here.”

I like to share this story because I really do believe plants speak to us. And even more, nature speaks to us.

I believe in a relationship with them. And that a healthy relationship is inherently multifaceted. I believe in reverence & respect & reciprocity. One where both parties get to say no, and yes- and respectfully listen.

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So I’d like to invite in another conversation.

Have you ever had a conversation with nature? Have you ever heard a plant or creature speak to you? What did they say? What did you learn?

If you feel called to share- send me an email at livelywellness.bybri@gmail.com I would love to hear your experience.