Allow
By Danna Faulds
There is no controlling life.
Try corralling a lightning bolt,
containing a tornado. Dam a
stream and it will create a new
channel. Resist, and the tide
will sweep you off your feet.
Allow, and grace will carry
you to higher ground. The only
safety lies in letting it all in –
the wild and the weak; fear,
fantasies, failures and success.
When loss rips off the doors of
the heart, or sadness veils your
vision with despair, practice
becomes simply bearing the truth.
In the choice to let go of your
known way of being, the whole
world is revealed to your new eyes.
Notes on Mimosa
By ANA
More and more we’re learning about just how much stress negatively affects the body and mind. More than ever, it’s important for us to strive for a more calming atmosphere in our lives.
There are many herbs known as nervines that help support the nervous system through stressful times. Mimosa tincture is the one taking the spotlight today.
Mimosa is one of the most valued botanicals in Chinese medicine for supporting an uplifted mood and peaceful state of mind. Known as the “herb of happiness”, Mimosa helps encourage mental stability and promotes emotional serenity.
Mimosa blossoms are also good for encouraging restful sleep, calming the spirit, relieving emotional constraint associated with anger, soothing irritability, and improving cognitive function.
Mimosa bark is also a potent ally for grief and heartbreak by helping anchor the heart and stabilize emotions.
I like to use mimosa flower tincture when I feel like I’m stuck in an anger because it helps dissipate damaging and ruminating thoughts
There are mimosa trees in my neighborhood, with pink, fluffy, almost Dr Seuss looking blossoms. Usually I take a little bag with me for foraging and pick them for tincturing.
Mimosa Blossom Tincture Recipe
To make mimosa tincture, all you will need are:
•Fresh mimosa blossoms
•A jar
•80 proof Vodka
•
Pick the mimosa blossoms and check them for tiny bugs, caterpillars, and debris. Make sure you remove the long green stems from the blossoms before adding them to the jar.
Fill the jar until full with blossoms but not tightly packed.
Next, cover the blossoms with 80 proof vodka making sure they are completely submerged.
You may need to top off the jar again the next day depending on how much alcohol the flowers soak up.
Label and date the jar, then store it in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks.
Make sure to gently shake the mimosa tincture on occasion during this time to agitate the contents.
Once 4-6 weeks have passed, strain the tincture and bottle it. Make sure to label your bottles with the name of the herb and the date
This tincture will keep indefinitely if stored in a cool dark place.
To use, take ¼ teaspoon (1 dropperful) of mimosa tincture in a little bit of water up to five times daily to help support a positive mood and mental calm.
Per usual, do not take mimosa flower tincture if you are pregnant or are taking antidepressants.