I spent August 6-12 at Laughing Rock, Susun Weed’s
property/home in Woodstock NY for the Green Goddess Apprentice
Intensive. And I have so much to share. Today I will
give a broad overview of my week. Over time I want to share many of the
Susun’s philosophies and usable daily tips on health, nourishment, the feminine
and connection to Mother Earth.
It was challenging physically, mentally and emotionally and
took me far outside of my comfort zone box. And as I always say –“ if you
are comfortable, you aren’t growing”. Well I was given lots of
space for growth!!
I slept in my tent the whole week. Only got one
shower. Took out my contacts. Was outside and barefoot almost all
day. I fell asleep to the owls and awoke each morning to the sunrise and
the chirp of the titmouse. Yarrow tincture on our feet and ankles each
morning to deter ticks and mosquitos. 3 wonderful nourishing meals each
day….no white sugar or white flour. No snacking, other than a wild plant
here and there. All we drank from morning to night were nourishing
herbal infusions (much more on that to come!!), with the exception of a 5 year
old bottle of homemade dandelion wine that she opened for us one
evening….delicious!
Our days were structured around the schedule of the goats as
they are free range so must be watched. They were milked at 9 and then
let out. Wherever they wandered, we went and then sat for lessons on
the wild plants….weeds as they are known to many. Did you know that you
can crumble Queen Anne’s Lace flowers in your salad? And that the young
leaves of Virginia Creeper, five fingered ivy, make an excellent addition to
your salad greens? Or that the needles from a white pine tree make a
delicious vinegar?
Our mornings began with a 7 directional movement meditation
that I would love to teach you all, led by Whitefeather. What a beautiful
way to welcome in each new day. In the afternoons we spent some time
beading our power shields. In the evenings we had different events and
rituals – yoga, watching Susun give free phone consultations, a Moon Lodge, a
Goddess pageant and one night we kept a heart beat drum going from 8pm to 6:30
am, each taking 2 hour shifts and sleeping around the fire in between.
And all done with 6 other beautiful women ranging in age from 27 to
62.
Susun is a unique individual. Strong, extremely
intelligent, passionate, controversial, driven by what she believes in, tough,
caring, and a wonderful story teller. She pushes….hard. She
screams… a lot. But she also hugs. I realized that being around her
makes you stay present. She is who she is and makes it clear that you
don’t have to like her. She just wants you to learn from her and carry it
back to share.
By the end of the week my feet were earth stained, my skin
felt smooth, my hair was close to starting on dreadlocks, and I felt so
alive. So full. So connected. And the effects of the
week continue to unfold inside of me.
Bringing my heartbeat in rhythm with the earth’s,
SARAH
