I always like doing herbal workshops. Whether it’s a demonstration at a medieval festival or gathering around the kitchen table in someone’s home, the camaraderie, sharing, and tactile activities of chopping, stirring, and tasting are a delight.

Yesterday I got to spend several hours with a fabulous group of folks from all over the district who wanted to learn and share and connect with kindred spirits.

We met at a farm way out in the hills, and arrived over gravel roads, passing adorable little rock wallabies and the occasional cow foraging for grass in shady nooks on the sun-baked hillsides.

It was such a lovely spot for this sort of thing. We were surrounded by trees and beautiful gardens, and the owner’s grandchildren shyly brought us welcome cuppas before dashing off to hang out with their mates.

There were good visits around platters piled high with chocolate desserts, group Reiki sessions that left every one of us feeling calm and cared for, a lazy lunch around a big wooden table, and my workshop on medieval folk medicine and herbal remedies.

I loved it. All of it.

I loved meeting such delightful people who not only shared generously of their knowledge and experience, but received the care and input of others with open-armed welcome and deep respect.

Everyone represented unique walks of life, distinctive paths of healing and belief, yet there was no competition, no one-upmanship, no looking down of noses towards those whose experience or beliefs veered in a different direction.

It felt safe, loving, caring, and peaceful, and I felt teary more than a few times as I reflected on what a gift it is to find so much kindness in people who were strangers to me and each other.

I returned home bursting with things to discuss with Bear. My experiences that day confirmed some hopes and dreams I’d been squirreling away, hoping that one day I’d get the chance to bring them to fruition.

Sometimes, when it comes to dreams, we press on without any support or encouragement, and sometimes, just when we need it most, folks come along to give us precious nudges that give us that last needed push to step up and do it. Whatever it is.

So today, as I plant herbs and water gardens, feed animals and put away all my herbal regalia, I smile and breathe deep and give thanks for beautiful connections with good people and hope that comes when you least expect it.

Do you have a dream you’ve got tucked away? Is there something you can do today that will take you one step closer to bringing that dream to reality? xo