1.Collect butterflies. Butterflies are those who have undergone transformation and thrived. Butterflies are usually older than we are. I have images as well as real life versions of powerful, brilliant, effective, loving women always around me. (Mimic someone who is resilient.)            

           Motherwort tincture is a true ally during times of upheaval, upset, and trauma. Do be sure it is made from fresh flowering motherwort.

2.Hum like a bee. Chant to the great Mystery. Play a flute, sound a drum. Sing to the stars. Let sound carry you into peace and the present. No blame. No shame. No guilt. (Don't beat yourself up or dwell on the past.)

           

           Linden is a sweet friend of the bees who removes constrictions from the heart. Best as tea or infusion.

3.Embrace your fears. Love every bit of yourself. Build true self-worth by accepting yourself as you are, with harm to none. (Recognize what makes you uniquely strong and own it.)

           

           "Lovage is for courage," claims the Bard. This cousin of celery (and dong quai and osha) helps us be courageous enough to fall in love with ourselves. Don't have lovage? Use anise or fennel seed tea instead. Same family.

4.Nourish yourself – in all ways. Drink nourishing herbal infusion as your main beverage. Move your body. Challenge your mind. The more severe the trauma you are facing/healing from, the more important it is to be nourished in body, mind, and spirit. (Develop a core set of beliefs that nothing can shake.)        

            Nettle infusion nourishes every aspect of our being. It regenerates the cells, optimizes mitochondrial energy production, and turns up the frequency modulation of wholeness.

5.Weave yourself into the web. Being heard and being seen are important. Listening and observing are gifts we can give. Acknowledge others. Voice gratitude. Spend time in nature. You will feel the web; it will support you when you have need. Loosen contraction. Abandon resentment. Accept help.  (Be quick to reach for support when things go haywire.)

           

           Comfrey, amazing comfrey, knits our bones, rebuilds our connective tissues, strengthens our bonds, keeps us rooted. Any part, any way, inside or out, reweaves wholeness.

6.Challenge yourself. Expand into every emotion, even pain. Do the hardest thing first. Grief is a huge energy; it needs to flow. Open yourself to love. (Don't run from things that scare you: face them.)

         

           Red clover expands breathing and helps the gut flora, resulting in an expanded awareness and a sense of deep roots.

7.Just do it. Walk it off. Pump iron. Run for your life. Explore chi gung or tai chi. Take a yoga class. Jump for joy. Choose the stairs. Park as far away as possible. Chop wood. Carry water. Every day. No excuses.  (Find an exercise regime you will stick to.)        

           Hypericum tincture — sunshine in a bottle — prevents and eases muscle stiffness. I use it liberally, a dropperful before and after exercise, to keep my muscles and joints happy. The oil externally works too. (Must be made with fresh plant; dried Hypericum is not safe to use.)

8.Keep learning. Enjoy doing things you're not good at. Remember what it's like to be a student. Write in your journal. Meditate. Reinvent yourself every morning. Stretch often, mentally and physically. Reward yourself for your effort. (Learn new things as often as you can.)

         

              Oatstraw infusion improves all brain functions. Comfrey leaf infusion restores memory. Sage and other mints, as infused vinegars or honeys, keep thoughts clear.  Gotu kola tea or infusion inhibits  oxidative stress and rebuilds thinking ability.

9.Keep on the sunny side. Star in your own unique and precious life. The best revenge is joy. (Try to maintain a positive outlook. Find meaning in whatever stressful or traumatic thing has happened.)

         

          A cup of bright red hibiscus tea, cold or hot, tart or sweetened, heals the heart, enhances the imagination, brings a smile, and nourishes the senses.

*( Words in parentheses are from Time article by Mandy Oaklander.)