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!

I have been silent for the past few days because I am in mourning. My father passed away on Thursday (October 23), and I have been in shock and grief ever since. Today, I am returning to work as a school teacher, but I cannot promise that I won’t cry. I am focusing on self-care because it is essential for my health. I'm taking care of myself by making teas, sleeping when my body needs it, crying, and making sure I eat regularly. I have also taken a break from creating for this group and posting to engage with all of you wonderful people. I want to express my gratitude to all of you and apologize for being silent and distant. I will return to normal eventually, but I can't put a date on that. Please do me a favor: hug your loved ones tighter and longer the next time you see them because it could be the last time. If you can't hug them, then call, text, or write to them.

A quick live demonstration of how to make a tincture. This lesson is located in classroom in Aligning with Autumn Herbal Preparations for Fall Wellness.

Happy Monday, beautiful souls! If you have 10 minutes today, I invite you to try my Self-Compassion Guided Meditation—it’s a gentle way to nurture yourself and start your week with kindness. Click the link which takes you YouTube, find it in the classroom (along with others) in Mindful Moments Meditations. But if you’re short on time, here’s a quick self-compassion exercise you can do anytime: Pause and take a breath. Place your hand over your heart or give yourself a soft hug. Take a few deep breaths, letting your body relax. Acknowledge how you’re feeling—maybe say to yourself, “This is painful,” “I am suffering right now,” or “This is really difficult.” Remind yourself, “Suffering is part of being human.” Offer yourself a kind affirmation, such as: – May I hold myself with compassion. – May I love and accept myself just as I am. – May I experience peace. – May I remember to treat myself with love and kindness. – May I open to my experience just as it is. Carry this gentle attitude of self-compassion with you throughout your day. You deserve kindness from yourself, just as much as you give it to others. Stay positive and kind 💜🌹

Happy Monday, mindful friends! We all have those days when everything feels overwhelming and our to-do lists seem never-ending. On days like these, taking even a few minutes for meditation can seem impossible. But what if I told you that you could find moments of calm in just 60 seconds or less? Today, let's explore some micro-meditations that can help you reset and refocus, even on your busiest days. Micro-Meditations for Overwhelming Days The One-Minute Breathing Reset When stress is mounting, try this simple technique: Sit comfortably and close your eyes if possible Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds Hold your breath for 7 seconds Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds Repeat this cycle for 60 seconds This practice, known as the 4-7-8 breathing method, can help calm your nervous system and bring you back to the present moment. The 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding Exercise This mindfulness exercise engages your senses to bring you back to the present: Notice 5 things you can see Notice 4 things you can touch Notice 3 things you can hear Notice 2 things you can smell Notice 1 thing you can taste This technique is especially helpful during moments of anxiety or overwhelm, as it shifts your focus away from racing thoughts and back to the physical world. The Mindful Minute Set a timer for one minute and try this: Take a comfortable position wherever you are Close your eyes if it feels comfortable Direct your attention to your breathing When your mind wanders, gently notice this without judgment, and return your attention to your breath This practice works by interrupting the automatic pilot of your mind, creating a small but significant gap between stimulus and response. Three Deep Breaths Sometimes, all we need is a moment to pause and breathe. Try this simple technique: Take a slow, deep breath, expanding your belly as you inhale Hold for a moment at the top of the inhale Exhale slowly, feeling your belly contract