“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Depression is something that has likely touched all of us. Often the holidays or the few months after the holidays are an extra challenging time for us all … Continue reading Coping With Seasonal Depression and Anxiety
Author: naturebasedlivinginfo
The Riddle of the Universe
"Things are as they are. Looking out into it the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations." Alan Watts All existence, conscious or unconscious seems to be the emanation of one being, the Absolute, the Universe. These various words, even ‘God’ are a … Continue reading The Riddle of the Universe
Eight Ways to Connect with Nature in Daily Life
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy." - Sylvia Plath Many of us love being in nature, and we know it’s profoundly good for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Yet most of us also lead very full lives in … Continue reading Eight Ways to Connect with Nature in Daily Life
Plant Communication and Animism
“... originally believing in the existence after death, of the human soul. This belief had its root in the ‘animism’ of a more barbaric period of their existence, and held its place in the remnants of ancestral worship… Their barrows, dolmens, and stone-circles point distinctly to their reverence for the dead, and their belief in … Continue reading Plant Communication and Animism
Lean into a Tree and Five Other Ways to Let Nature Support You Through Hard Times
Photos by Wilderness Vagabonds These are intensely trying times. We all need support to know we’re not alone, to have a safe space to feel and heal our grief and fear, and to remember what is still good. We need it to thrive, and even to survive. And we need to let ourselves be held … Continue reading Lean into a Tree and Five Other Ways to Let Nature Support You Through Hard Times
35 Cold Weather Vegetables and Herbs
"Every vegetable has its time." Russian proverb While things generally stop growing by autumn in the northern hemisphere, there are many vegetables that with planning can still be harvested through December and sometimes spring. I'm in zone 7 and I've found that there are many things I can plant that will remain fresh until I … Continue reading 35 Cold Weather Vegetables and Herbs
Seeing Faces in Trees Relates to Our Creativity
“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity… and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.” William Blake The 'grandmother' … Continue reading Seeing Faces in Trees Relates to Our Creativity
Benefits of Self Care
“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives … Continue reading Benefits of Self Care
Introduction to Aromatherapy
"Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul." Robert Tisserand Jan Brueghel the Younger The basis of essential oils and aromatherapy in particular incorporates maybe an under-realized and under-appreciated way in which we … Continue reading Introduction to Aromatherapy
10 Common Antibacterial and Antiviral Herbs
"The secrets are in the plants. To elicit them, you have to love them." George Carver With the arrival of cold and flu season, stocking up on my antibacterial and antiviral herbs always comes to the forefront of my thoughts consistently by November. It's thought that for a multitude of reasons, illness increases in the … Continue reading 10 Common Antibacterial and Antiviral Herbs
New Studies Prove the Value in Meditation
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor." Thich Nhat Hang There have been many studies on meditation showing that it likely helps people decrease their levels of stress, anxiety or depression. However, there are few objective studies that have gathered physical evidence proving the positive effects are … Continue reading New Studies Prove the Value in Meditation
Earth Friendly Guide to Menstruation
"At her first bleeding a woman meets her power. During her bleeding years she practices it. At menopause she becomes it." Lucy H. Pearce Anastasia Lembrik Many women, many people menstruate. It's typically a monthly cycle, although often sporadic or problematic, that many women go through and cope with on a regular basis. It is … Continue reading Earth Friendly Guide to Menstruation
The Magic of Wild Swimming
“I have seen the sea when it is storm and wild; when it is quiet and serene when it is dark and moody. And in all these moods, I see myself.” Martin Buxbaum There is something magical about water within a landscape. Any body of water has a pull, whether that’s the smallest of streams … Continue reading The Magic of Wild Swimming
Benefits of Spending Time With Animals
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France At times it amazes me how we can share this beautiful earth with so many other forms of life and yet because of industrialization, spend so little time with them or in their presence. Animals have an incredible ability just … Continue reading Benefits of Spending Time With Animals
Chive and Raspberry Vinaigrette
I love seeing the chives as they bloom in the Spring and they're one of the first plants in my herb garden to do so. The bees and other creatures seem to particularly love them as well. Every season I wonder what to make of them and aside from including them fresh in a salad, … Continue reading Chive and Raspberry Vinaigrette
Living by the Moon
"If the moon has the power to create the ebb & flow of the ocean's tides, it no doubt has the power to influence human beings, especially as we are 60% water." Brigit Esselmont It is late. My room is filled with the thick inky darkness of deepest night, all is still and silent but … Continue reading Living by the Moon
Keys to Being More Mindful in Nature
Venturing out for a hike or nature experience? Do you have everything you need? Water, snacks, sunscreen… check! Presence, awareness, and mindfulness… check again! Hey, did anyone bring mindfulness? It’s nearly spring, and many of us are getting out into nature more. We know these outings are not only fun and relaxing, but also some … Continue reading Keys to Being More Mindful in Nature
The Subtle Power of Music and Dance
"Let us read and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world." Voltaire As children, before we even understood what the words in songs meant or what dance moves were good or bad, we’d move our little bodies to any rhythm we heard. As we get older, societal pressures … Continue reading The Subtle Power of Music and Dance
Elderberry and Rose Liqueur
"Elderberry Wine has a curative power of established repute as a remedy, taken hot, at night, for promoting perspiration in the early stages of severe catarrh, accompanied by shivering, sore throat, etc. Like Elder-flower Tea, it is one of the best preventives known against the advance of influenza and the ill effects of a chill. … Continue reading Elderberry and Rose Liqueur
How to Deepen Our Connection With Trees
"If we surrendered to earth’s intelligencewe could rise up rooted, like trees." Rainer Maria Rilke There’s something special about trees, and we know it. Even on a planet graced with an astounding array of intelligent and creative life, trees are standouts. If there were people who could do what trees do, they would be honored … Continue reading How to Deepen Our Connection With Trees
Isla Skye Herbals 