Gathering herbs with Mathew has always been a wonderful activity for us to share. Sometimes he helps me process them to infuse into oil and tinctures as well. I love his ability to be extremely focused and present during these times. It brings another healing dynamic into the mix. However, when I make salves and creams, I need to be alone in order to focus all my love and intentions into those little jars before they go out into the world.

Processing herbs is a very personal practice. It is not simply a chore or task; it is the time when I am focusing my entire being in the present. I’m filled with gratitude for the plants and their healing powers and the next step for me is to add my loving intentions into my remedies.

For the most part, I like the entire house to myself. It is easier for me to be present with the process, free as possible from distraction. My ritual helps me to center and become balanced so I can focus all my intentions into the healing creams and salves. The ingredients to my ritual are simple but very meditative. I hug our grandmother Black Walnut tree absorbing all the earth’s healing powers through it. Then I smudge the house, eliminating any negative energy, and ring the singing bowel, producing tones that invoke a deep state of relaxation. Finally, I love playing Tibetan Monks chanting Om Mani Padme Hum throughout the process.

https://youtu.be/VFIQguh2yYI

One day, Mike was home playing AC/DC, and don’t get me wrong I do love to rock out to “Highway to Hell” but it would have no doubt added a different energy into the process, not what I wanted. Setting an intention is not a goal but an attitude or state of mind. When I make healing salve or creams, it is very important for me to infuse them with all the love I have in my being. That is why there is always a ♥ included in the ingredients on all my labels.

Do you have any rituals that help you set intentions? Please share and I will continue to share.