Integration
This mandala was a prayer of gratitude for the lessons of this past wild, pandemic year....and a prayer of appreciation for the dandelions!
Here in Colorado, we have had our fair share of Spring rain (and snow) and now we reap the rewards of this moisture with greening landscapes and a return of the dandelions! These bright, yellow flowers are symbols of hope and new beginnings. Dandelions are courageous, strong and help us break up the winter funk, both in the soil and in our bodies. We can all use some dandelion medicine as we move deeper into Springtime and begin to re-emerge.
Usually, I meet the Spring with a burst of eager energy. However, I found this early Spring, a desire to pull back inward a bit. Needing to take a sacred pause and integrate all the lessons, gifts and challenges gathered over this past extraordinary year.
The pandemic has discombobulated our lives and routines, which has aided in some deep transformations for many of us. It allowed us the opportunity to see what was working and what old patterns were ready to be released. It helped us take inventory on what stole our energy and what strengthened our energy. It shook up our worlds and helped us return to old dreams and birth new ones.
As things slowly open back up, it could be so easy to just fall right back into old routines and ways. In taking a moment to pause, breathe, slow down and asking myself…what do I wish to integrate into my life moving forward.
One of the most beautiful gifts of this past year was more time in nature and having the time to really feel and be present with each season. Sinking into my true, natural rhythm and finding flow with the cycles we live in. In listening to nature, she guided me to surrender, simplify and slow down.
May we all find ways to let go of what no longer fits into our lives and integrate the soulful lessons learned from this past year.
Dandelion Plant Medicine
Thought I would share one of my favorite Dandelion recipes! Dandelion oil is a fun way to connect with spring and create medicine from something you might already be weeding out of your yard.
This time of year, dandelions are everywhere. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) are detoxifying, nutritive and overall aid in vibrant health. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, and C, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc.
Dandelion flower essence is very grounding and ushers in a vibrant, sunny energy. It helps you feel strong, courageous and present in your body. It brings your awareness back to here and now and allows you to be in the moment. Learn more about flower essences and/or purchase Wild Roots Dandelion Flower Essence here.
You can gather the leaves to toss in your salad or smoothies. Cut up the roots to dry out (or eat fresh) in teas. But one of my favorite dandelion recipes is to gather the bright, yellow buds to infuse into olive oil. The oil can be used to help achy joints feel better and to soothe irritated skin.
This is a great craft to include children in. They will love filling a jar of fresh plucked dandelion flowers.
Dandelion Oil Recipe
Harvest dandelions, from unsprayed fields and lawns, in the full sun of the day when the dew has dried up (you don’t want water in your infused oil as this can cause mold).
Cut or pull off the flower heads from the stem of the plant. Gather enough to fill a jar half full. You can wash and allow them to dry. However, I often just toss them right into the jar.
Then fill the jar to 1/4 inch of the top with olive oil (any oil will work but I love using olive oil for my salves and oils). Remove any air bubbles with a butter knife and make sure all the blossoms are submerged under the oil.
Cover the jar with a lid and place it in a sunny window (not in direct sunlight) for 2 weeks. Cover the jar with a piece of cloth and a rubber band. The cloth will let any trapped water evaporate and help prevent any mold formation.
At the end of the two weeks, strain the blossoms from the oil. Store the oil in a clean jar. The dandelion oil is now ready for use. You can use this oil directly on the skin or craft into salves or lip balms. Dandelion oil can also be used for cooking and baking to add a little nutrient boost to foods.
