Gifts and Sacrifices

Lately it seems our community focus is on the sacrificial part. What if we questioned and reframed this narrative: take stock of our gifts and use them to navigate the current situation? We all want some assurance of our efforts resulting in some benefit in the end, whether it be personal or communal. Joy Harjo, 23rd poet Laureate of the United States and the first Native American to hold that post, was recently interviewed and addressed this issue:

Every gift comes with sacrifice. There is always something demanded. To take care of the gift of poetry demands listening, even when it seems as if there is nothing or no one there. It means walking a road of language alone, until you teach someone how to hear you. My mission is to take care of the gifts that I carry, to feed them and then to share them. We must all take care of our respective gifts, because with them we will find the answers to our problems.

The same day I read the above, one of my podcasts reported seeing this written on a sidewalk: Stop envisioning the Apocalypse and start imagining the Revolution.

I’m restarting seeing people in the store for herbal consultations beginning within the next two weeks (it’ll be announced loud and clear)! The Elderberry is my gift and I’m beginning to envision the revolution being stimulated by the current pandemic. Mindful of the physical distancing required in the time of COVID – 19, we’re developing a protocol to enable us to see folks in a physical space, in real time with as much protection as possible for both us and our clients.  Envisioning how to open the retail part to the public while working with the fact of no current vaccine or standardized treatment for people suffering from COVID – 19 includes expanding our on-line store options. All are works-in-progress.

The inspiration for the above projects would not be happening without the support of my incredible staff. A shout out to Heather Wetzel, Sydney Batson, and Meg Madden! The gift of a creative, bright, and thoughtful staff cannot be underestimated. They are what enables The Elderberry to be what it is: a great community resource for herbal knowledge and products.

Know and honor your gifts. Care for them, feed them and then share with the world to help you find the answers to your problems.  May you walk in beauty.