In my early thirties, I noticed a deeper anxiety surface. This was also when the pandemic hit, and I was propelled into a survival pattern of my past. Looking back, I can see that’s when some of my deepest relational trauma wounds were triggered because I felt totally trapped and didn't have adequate resources to navigate that time.
My usual ways of coping (people pleasing, fawning, drinking, distracting) were just not doing it anymore. I felt like there was more to life, but I couldn’t imagine the next best step for me. All I knew was that I needed things to be different but I didn’t know how to “get different,” and certainly not during a global pandemic. It was totally frustrating!
My connection to plants held me, and my tenacious curiosity kept me asking questions, but things really began to shift when I found somatic experiencing and learned about the polyvagal theory. Both truly changed the way I navigated my inner world, and engaged my outer world!
Adding a nervous system regulation perspective helped me reorient to the things in life that light me up, align my actions with my values and capacity, and allow myself to become more real to myself and to others (the whole recognize and feel your feelings bit), which has deepened my relationships.
The more self-trust I build, the more equipped I feel to receive the good, and face the challenges in my life. Now when I notice feelings of being stuck or trapped, I know how to lead my self through with more confidence and sturdiness, and at my own pace.
I feel more in my own life now than ever. I can see and feel my dreams again, and I feel like I can take the risks to live into them now with more ease! It’s amazing, and I’m so happy to be here!
This is truly the work of a lifetime. And I believe that compassionate witnessing and plants can help people heal.
It’s an honor to support others along their growth journey whether it’s through one attuned herbal consult or three months of self-leadership coaching.
I am a proud National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach through the National Board of Health & Wellness Coaches, Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, and community herbal educator.
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My herbal mentors include Rosalee de la Foret, jim mcdonald, Erika Galentin, Camille Freeman, 7song, Rosemary Gladstar, Guido Masé, Larken Bunce, Dr. Lori Rose, and Margi Flint.
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And of course, the plants. The plants are the teachers I return to everyday.
