BotanicWise was founded by Charis Lindrooth with the intention of providing a forum where plant wisdom can be shared and where like-minded people can connect and build a community to steward land, medicinal plants, and supportive relationships with each other. Inspired by the work of Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, United Plant Savers, and many internationally acclaimed teachers and organizations in the herbal renaissance, BotanicWise strives to create space for land and plant stewardship, with an inner mission to cultivate alliances between plants and people, and between people and people. We are grateful for all who participate in this expanding green movement that invites perspective on the transformation of modern health and health care in this country.
The healing power of art rooted in nature…
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Hello Reader, The world of nature is my ally. Every fiber in my being longs to connect with it. Instinctively, I know this connection holds deep healing for me.Parkinson’s presents many opportunities to embrace change, adapt, and build resilience. That puts it politely—truly, our imperfect bodies make us face our deepest fears. I’m learning to observe and hold my worries with gentleness, while recognizing I can’t control, or even plan for, every outcome. When I see myself reflected in the natural world, I feel less alone, and a sense of possibility emerges. A deep longing to create replaces the “what if” mantras. I can’t fully explain why or how this happens, but the effect is clear. The unlimited sky above me, the green forest around me, and the cool relief of buoyancy when I float in the pond invite me into the present moment. My busy mind quiets, and I am filled with wonder and pure joy. I begin to see things in a new light. And this emerging perspective inspires creativity. Creativity is not just about making art—it is about slowing down enough to see the world with awareness and curiosity.When we face challenges, creativity can be powerful medicine. Research shows that creative activities support brain health, emotional well-being, and neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. I have experienced this firsthand. When I paint…or write… I feel less defined by Parkinson’s and more connected to my capacity for growth, expression, and joy. And my tremors settle down. Nature is my muse! Everywhere I look, I watch the interplay of light and shadow, teaching me about transformation and impermanence. Art helps me transform my relationship with nature into meaning. Life is more than managing challenges; it is also about cultivating beauty, connection, and purpose. Does this resonate with you? Do you love to create art inspired by nature?Nature artist Tony Lemos will be sharing her creative work with the BotanicWise Community in a new mini-series, The Living Page. Make your own handmade artist book by eco-printing with botanical materials and explore how plants can guide the creative process and leave their own traces upon the page. This workshop series will be recorded, and the replays will be available to all registrants. Yours in Health, Charis Lindrooth BotanicWise P.S. Meet Tony in person! Join us at the BotanicWise Women's Gathering in Kempton, PA, on September 18-20, where Tony will be teaching and vending! Learn more and register here. |
BotanicWise
BotanicWise was founded by Charis Lindrooth with the intention of providing a forum where plant wisdom can be shared and where like-minded people can connect and build a community to steward land, medicinal plants, and supportive relationships with each other. Inspired by the work of Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, United Plant Savers, and many internationally acclaimed teachers and organizations in the herbal renaissance, BotanicWise strives to create space for land and plant stewardship, with an inner mission to cultivate alliances between plants and people, and between people and people. We are grateful for all who participate in this expanding green movement that invites perspective on the transformation of modern health and health care in this country.
Hello Reader, This winter I binged on the new season of Bridgerton…I confess, my one weakness! 😇 I really love the period costumes, and my eyes popped out of my head during the masquerade ball—a perfect mix of glamour, mystery, and romance! That’s when I decided to host a nature-inspired masquerade ball at this year’s BotanicWise Women’s Gathering! The preparation is the best part! You can dress up, or down, but you must have a mask. There will be a mask-making station at the event, but why...
Hello Reader, Have you ever met my friend Krista Nelson? If you have, I’m sure you agree with me that she’s unforgettable—a Grandmother Earth energy comes to mind when I think of her. She is here to make a difference. Krista Nelson is an African American grandmother with Lenape ancestry who shares her love language of nature, which stems from indigenous traditions that have been here for thousands of years. 🌱 She plays her flute to the water as it dances along the creek bed 🌱 She honors and...
Hello Reader, First things first…remember to register for the BotanicWise Women’s Gathering by August 1 (Saturday) for the best savings! Now I want to share an excerpt from Emily Ruff’s Moon Medicine Newsletter. Emily is a featured teacher at this year’s Gathering… This week’s full moon in Aquarius... is one of the most charged lunations of the year. If the summer has felt unusually intense, significant, and like something large is shifting beneath ordinary life, it's no surprise - and this...