During this mornings live mediation with @April Johnson, this is the mountain I visualized. This is from a trip I took with my sister to Colorado, Pikes Peak in 2008. This is was my first experience with mountains including going to the top. During the mediation I realized I actually sat up taller as I visualize me being a mountain. It was the perfect start to my day!

Hello, beautiful community! As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, I’m so excited to welcome you to October’s Herb of the Month: Dandelion—yes, that sunny little plant you’ve probably seen peeking up through the sidewalk cracks or waving at you from the edge of your garden. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Dandelion? Isn’t that just a weed?” Oh, friend, I’ve been there too! But let’s take a moment to look a little closer. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of nature’s most resilient and generous gifts. It’s a plant that reminds us that beauty and healing can thrive in the most unexpected places—just like we can. Why dandelion, and why now? As autumn invites us to slow down and reflect, dandelion offers gentle support for our bodies and spirits. Its roots dig deep, just as we do when we’re seeking nourishment and grounding. Its bright flowers bring a burst of sunshine, even on the grayest days. And its leaves—well, they’re packed with minerals and vitamins that help us feel vibrant and alive, especially as we transition into the cooler months. I’ve personally leaned on dandelion during times when my digestion needed a little extra love, or when my energy felt sluggish after a busy summer. Whether you’re sipping a cup of dandelion tea, tossing the tender leaves into a salad, or simply admiring its cheerful blooms, this plant has a way of gently nudging us toward balance and renewal. So, let’s explore dandelion together this month! I’ll be sharing stories, recipes, and simple ways to invite this humble herb into your daily routine. And as always, I’d love to hear your experiences—have you ever used dandelion? Do you have questions or curiosities? We’re in this together, learning and growing side by side. Ready to take the first step? Let’s celebrate the wild wisdom of dandelion and discover how this “weed” can help us thrive, inside and out. Drop a comment, share your story, or just say hello—I’m here for you, and I can’t wait to journey through October with you and our Herb of the Month!

Let's take a moment to talk about something we all deal with - stress. In our busy lives, it's so important to have go-to methods for unwinding and finding our calm. Everyone's different, and what works for one person might not work for another. That's why I'm curious to hear from you! Quick Poll: What's Your Favorite Way to De-stress? A) Taking a nature walk B) Reading a good book C) Practicing meditation or deep breathing D) Enjoying a warm bath or shower E) Listening to music or podcasts F) Exercising or doing yoga G) Crafting or engaging in a hobby H) Spending time with loved ones or pets Share your answer in the comments! And if your favorite method isn't listed, please tell us about it. We might all learn a new de-stressing technique! Why is this important? Well, managing stress isn't just about feeling good in the moment (though that's certainly nice!). Regular stress relief can have profound effects on our overall health. It can boost our immune system, improve sleep quality, enhance mental clarity, and even help with things like digestion and blood pressure. My personal favorite is a combination of A and C. There's something magical about walking in nature while practicing mindful breathing. It helps me feel grounded and connected to the world around me. What about you? Remember, there's no "right" way to de-stress. The best method is the one that works for you and that you'll actually do consistently. Sometimes, it might even be a combination of methods depending on the day or the type of stress you're experiencing. Bonus Tip: Try to incorporate your favorite de-stressing activity into your routine regularly, not just when you're feeling overwhelmed. Prevention is often easier than cure when it comes to stress management! Let's support each other by sharing our experiences. You never know - your go-to method might be exactly what someone else needs to hear about today. Wishing you all a stress-free Tuesday filled with moments of peace and joy!

Happy Friday, beautiful souls! 🌿 Today, let's talk about something that might make you scrunch up your face a bit - bitters! I know, I know, in our sugar-loaded world, bitterness isn't exactly a flavor we crave. But trust me, darlings, bitters are secret superheroes for our health, and I'm here to tell you why. First off, why are bitters so important? Well, these powerful plants are like nature's reset button for our digestive system. They kick-start a whole chain of events in our body that's essential for good health. When we taste something bitter, it triggers receptors on our tongue that send a signal all the way down to our gut. This signal tells our body to release digestive juices, produce bile, and get ready to break down our food efficiently. But here's the really cool part - bitters don't just help with digestion. They're like a domino effect for your whole body. They can help regulate blood sugar, support liver function, and even boost your overall immune system. It's like a full-body tune-up, all from a little bitter taste! Now, you might be wondering, "But April, if bitters are so great, why don't we eat more of them?" Great question, loves! The truth is, our modern diet has slowly phased out many bitter foods. We've become so used to sweet and salty flavors that we've forgotten about this essential taste. But our bodies still need it! So, how can we bring more bitters into our lives? It's easier than you might think! Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started: 1. Dandy Chamomile Bitters: This is a gentle, soothing bitter blend that's perfect for beginners. - 2 tbsp dandelion root - 2 tbsp chamomile flowers - 2 tbsp orange peel - 1 tbsp fennel seed - 1 cup vodka or brandy Mix all the herbs in a jar, cover with the alcohol, and let it sit for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and take 3-5 drops directly on your tongue before meals. 2. Simple Bitter Salad: - Mix fresh dandelion greens, arugula, and radicchio - Add some sliced apple for sweetness

Hello, my herbal enthusiasts! 🌿 It's time to shine the spotlight on our Herb of the Month: the lovely Lemon Balm! This gentle yet powerful herb has been a favorite of mine for years, and I'm excited to share some ways you can incorporate it into your daily wellness routine. Let's start with one of my favorite ways to use Lemon Balm - as a tincture. Creating a Lemon Balm tincture is a wonderful way to harness its calming properties in a concentrated form. Here's a simple method to make your own: 1. Fill a clean glass jar about 2/3 full with fresh Lemon Balm leaves (or 1/2 full if using dried leaves). 2. Pour 80 proof (40% alcohol) vodka over the herbs, making sure they're completely covered. 3. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it gently every few days. 4. After 4-6 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and store it in a dark glass bottle. The beauty of using Lemon Balm as a tincture is that it allows for easy absorption of its beneficial compounds. Plus, tinctures have a long shelf life, so you can enjoy the benefits of Lemon Balm year-round! Now, how do you use this tincture? I personally love adding a few drops to my water throughout the day. It's almost tasteless, making it an easy addition to your daily routine. You can also add it to tea or take it directly under your tongue for faster absorption. But why Lemon Balm? Well, this herb is a powerhouse when it comes to calming our body and mind. It's known for its ability to ease anxiety and promote relaxation. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, Lemon Balm can be your gentle ally in finding some peace. Lemon Balm works by soothing our nervous system. It can help quiet those racing thoughts, ease tension in your body, and even support better sleep. Many people find it helpful for managing stress-related digestive issues too. What I love most about Lemon Balm is its gentle nature. It's calming without being sedating, so you can use it during the day without worrying about feeling drowsy. It's like a soft, reassuring hug for your nervous system.