Summer Solstice Reflection
Happy Summer Solstice to all of you! 🌞
On the longest day of the year, I ask you: Where are you going to shine your light this summer?
This spring, we welcomed our new & returning Herbalism Apprentices back to our South Chicago Farm for an event called, “Seed Camp.” One of the apprentices arrived with her carefully saved ewedu seeds, a type of West African green, similar to spinach in taste and properties. Last season she was diligent, loving even, in her care for the plant. She was so proud to put those seeds into the soil. I was disappointed to let her know after about six weeks those seeds had not sprouted.
But this apprentice knew this plant! She knew its habits and preferences; its taste and smell and texture. She also remembered that it needed a longer time to germinate; and so she picked up the flat and put it back in the nice, warm geodesic dome. And sure enough, within a month the ewedu began to germinate.
The UGC Herbalism Apprenticeship program emphasizes relationships with other apprentices, our organization, but most importantly with nature and the herbs that are grown. Our unique seed to remedy curriculum encourages a type of knowledge distinct from practices that center remote memorization. Instead it encourages an herbalism of allyship and reciprocity wherein each herbalists gets to know the plants the way they might get to know a new friend or new job. Herbalism apprentices take care of the plants that they hope will take care of them and our communities.
When we put in the effort to know somebody or something we know what lights them up and what brings them to life. Dream of all that could happen if we all were so well cared for, cherished and valued: How might we change? How might the world be different?
This solstice, I invite you to be a gardener of whatever you love. Shine your light in that direction; give something or somebody a glow up and receive the warmth of reciprocity. And for those of us coming into summer feeling a little out of place, I encourage you to find the care you need to thrive.
Kim Crutcher 🌻💙
Herbalism Conductor at UGC
