Blooming From Our Wounds: Plant Allies for Trauma

In this class we will be exploring a wide array of traumas and their expressions: physical and somatic, emotional and spiritual, ancestral, as well as the traumatic reality of oppression, and the fear, grief, and apathy that accompanies living in the Anthropocene era. It is important to place the experience(s) of trauma within a social and ecological framework, so that as we work to unravel the bindings of our own pain and woundings, we are also working to unravel the toxic beliefs, institutions, and life ways of our current culture.

We will focus on plants that have specific affinities to some aspect of the wounding and the healing of it, those that act as teachers, guides, and balms for the shame, isolation, and fear that accompanies trauma. Trees and herbs that are accessible in the urban space will be prioritized in discussion, especially weeds as medicine, and sustainable remedies like flower essences. My hope is that all will leave this class with a greater sense of compassion for the ingenious ways our selves respond to pain and trauma, and rediscover a sense of hope. That with the help of the wise and powerful plants, we can begin mending the disconnections.

This class is an offering for those with or without herbal experience! Time will be spent in lecture, as well as interacting with the plants themselves to learn directly what it is they can do. We will be making some medicines to take home. Class is $30, though no one turned away for lack of funds. Bring a journal or notebook.