Let’s talk about worth.
Did you lean forward or backward when you read that? I know. It’s such a thing. You know when I took a different course online for the first time (Sit in Your Center) it was at a tricky time in my life and there was so much change and upheaval that I climbed into the boat of creation to find land, or my footing. A good thing, but (and this is a big but) I was so mired in my own judgment of my personal life, I deeply and I mean deeply under-cut the value pricing of the class. So much so that a few women overpaid or bought extra courses for scholarships because they “felt uncomfortable receiving so much value personally and not honoring the investment.”
Recently, I picked up an Anne Lamott book out of the library for The Everyday Meditation Course. I didn’t even look at the title because anything Anne writes is gold or has some nugget. Here is what she had to say: “The American way is not to need help, but to help. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that I was going to need a lot of help, and for a long time. (Even this morning.)”
Last week, on a sunny Wednesday I was walking with Nui and I found the most amazing nettle patch. If you know nettles, you know they can sting which I do my best to avoid but don’t really mind. It is just the price you pay for getting nettle medicine I thought. You know that is the first plant I ever studied, and when I was studying herbalism I moved to Hawaii and my teacher told me I had to find a local plant to study and that’s how I learned that Mamaki and Nettles are in the same ohana/family.
So on this sunny, perfectly green day I harvested a little nettle and decided to come back prepared to the patch on Monday and harvest more. I forgot that I ordered nettle from a friend too, a pound. I went from gathering a few leaves to being awash in nettle and thought—hmm, maybe I should revisit what nettle is all about. This is what I found:
“Nettle’s sting, however, reminds us to value our gifts just as we must honor and protect the work of mothering if we are to remain healthy. Nettle protects herself and her space with a mild sting that can last for days. In this, she asks us to recognize and honor the worth of what she gives; if you’re willing to hazard the sting to gain her treasure, you’re more likely to value what you have taken. When nettle has come into your life, especially around a project you’re nurturing, take time to ensure you and those who might benefit from your work recognize and value your contribution.
Nettle magic is transformation through nurturing and self-worth, like that of a healthy, loving mother.” You can read more here.
When I was in the hospital after my son was born the nurse remarked, a bit shocked, at how hydrated I was. I told her my midwife told me to drink nettles (and other herbs) and I made three ball jars a night for the last 8 weeks of my pregnancy. I’m pretty good with rules that align with my goals.
But here nettle stood again, calling me in (I drink rose and nettle tea. Sometimes I throw something else in, but that is my go-to) very specifically to sit and honor the conversation of worth, appreciation, and the necessary boundaries to offer our most nourishing medicine.
I am listening. It changes the dynamic; just as nettle changes her environment; “wet ground is her favorite rooting place; she’s an expert at turning hard, clay soils into fertile ground,” Candace Hunter writes.
What are you turning into fertile ground these days?
I want to share with you a lifelong seed that has born fruit; my book Rebirth is open for pre-order. It started with the idea of sharing the stories of others and it morphed into a weaving of what change and courage bring : Grace. I am really excited to share her with you this fall and I believe she is a worthwhile companion on your journey, especially as we all are making courageous leaps and rebirthing better versions of our Selves.
For Rebirth: Real-life stories of what happens when you let go and let life lead, add yourself to the pre-order notification here.
For fun, the book’s completion has opened space and desire to gather a summer, online writing circle. Like a little summer school for the soul. I am considering intimate, sixty-minute circles. Stand alone or join the whole 3 part series. Our potential topics are: Joy, Worth and….the last one I’ll let you in on later. If you are interested or want to learn more, the no commitment wait-list is here.
I feel like the time for waiting and hoping has given bloom to creating.
The Everyday Meditation Course is closed. There was an amazing wave of interest and it quickly filled.
Waitlist: The next round starts June 21st and there is a waitlist you can jump in here.
That was a lot. Thanks for reading and if you are creating something and you’d like me to share — send it and we’ll do a community share in the next e-mail. Those are always fun. These are auspicious times to plant your wildest seeds. I’ll pray for your good rains and benevolent rays of sun.
Best,
Kate