What have I gained from this class? First of all I think I’ve acquired identification skills. Not only in plant identification (although I do now know how to tell if a plant is in the mint family and what wild lettuce looks like), but also identifying the way that I feel. The conversation between my mind and my body has become easier to interpret and understand. I now know how the different systems in my body work together in a holistic way and I can hear (and feel) the dialogue happening between them. Through this knowledge, I’ve also been able to provide preventative support and illness prevention for myself and for those in my community. It feels wonderful to be able to make infusions, teas, and other medicines for my loved ones – it has allowed me to help them in ways I had not been able to before. I can talk to my friends and family about what’s going on in their lives and their bodies and better understand what they are going through physically and emotionally. And that brings me to the most important thing that I’ve gained, connection. I feel connected to my body, my health and to the plants and the medicine growing all around me, and  because of this I feel more connected to the people in my life.

– Sarah, MA