Hawthorn medicine

I never thought I would call myself an herbalist, and I am far from an adept. The path I walk.. I take my time, and i try to be thorough. For some it is a gift, a natural connection. For others it is a very left brained study and practice.  For myself, it is definitely both.

Here is an example of how Herbalism is an intuitive practice: I had a sleepless night recently.
I couldn't sleep after waking in the middle of the night. I noticed I unconsciously was covering my heart with my right hand. I allowed myself to observe this phenomena that was catching my attention.

Then it hit me, boom.. grief.

Something I had some emotional scar tissue around popped up. Something I thought I had let go of, but apparently not.

Then another flash, boom. Hawthorn.
What?
Yeah Hawthorn, the shrubby tree all over my property. 

Next thing, boom AC Stauble pops in my mind .. I still need to message you :p

I remember you mentioning Hawthorn once on a podcast.

Two weeks later a friend asks me if I have a connection for Hawthorne berries. What are the odds? No odds, only destinies.

I look up the actions for Hawthorn. It is used for... yes, you guessed it grief and anxiety, it is a nervine.  it is also good for blood circulation and other heart conditions as a cardio-tonic. 
 
Earlier this year as I walked the woods, the Hawthorn and I had many glances, and interactions, they were trying to get my attention. 

My next step will be to go and sit with the plant and open myself to its wisdom. Observe what arises in my emotions, and write that down.

Then come back after some time and repeat the process. Only then, after confirming with the plant will I consider ingesting, or preparing medicine from it. Sometimes all I need is to go hang out with them :)

That's how it starts for me, I don't work with something til it gives me a whisper or jumps out at me.

I could share numerous stories and eventually I will. I gain the most respect for these teachers when I wait for the lesson.

Whats a lesson you have received from a plant or mushroom?