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The Immeasurable Value of Foraging
Some of the most beautiful and inspirational moments happen when we lose ourselves in the woods. When the weight of daily chores, struggles and obligations becomes painful, we should allow ourselves to retreat to nature. There is a balancing act that occurs almost immediately: our spirit resyncs, our breaths become more patient. We slow down. We become part of something larger - part of something that does not demand from us the same things modern civilization does. We do not feel pressured or beaten down. We unwind naturally. We become at peace.
Simple Gestures & Ideas
We place a lot of pressure on ourselves to run to the store or order something online when our friend has a birthday, sympathy need, or bad day. The truth is, there is something powerful about holding a can of freshly picked Spring blossoms from someone. We laugh at movies when a forgetful child or spouse stops by a neighbor's yard to pick a few flowers, but the plot twist is always that those root-dangling dandelions end up being the most meaningful gift of all. When the pressure of life has us questioning whether a gift is 'good enough' for our loved one or special friend, fall back on simplicity.
Here are a few ideas: a mix of fall colored leaves tucked gently in a jar with twine or ribbon around the neck; a vase of tiny tree branches with or without leaves; a handwritten note tucked in a jar 'message in a bottle' themed; making a thrift store run from time to time to stock up on affordable vases, coffee cups, or jars for future gift giving; keeping a flower press filled with your lovely finds to use as garnishes for greeting cards or letters; thrifting old clothing to make your own ribbon strips; remembering to gift yourself from time to time
Don't Forget the Windows
The witch's favorite window at the cottage.
Plant Trellises to Help Combat Seasonal Depression
When the air finally begins to cool in the fall, we have fewer watering demands of the garden. Our houseplants slow down along with the days. The nights come sooner and we may feel isolated by the shorter days. Keeping busy with crafts is a great weapon against that pesky seasonal depression.
When fall shows its first gleam, I begin to prepare for a long cozy winter, but I also preemptively prepare for spring. I sterilize old pots, organize the messy sections of my closet, and I've been known to move heavy furniture around.
One of my favorite fall tasks is making plant trellises, which is much less complicated than I had originally assumed. Trellises need a base (sticks, piping, wood or metal rods) and something for your beautiful plants to attach to. I use a variety of mosses and lichen that are native to my area and simply wind them around my base (the thicker the moss layer the better). I use twine or cotton string to affix the moss to the base by wrapping and tying knots over and over as tight as possible. While wood bases can deteriorate over time, bases like bamboo are always a better option. I enjoy the aging look of wood and moss, but from time to time I use plumber's pipe as a base (this is a very soft and easy piping to cut vs. wood and can easily be cut on your patio or in your home). Adorning your trellis with bells (which rust beautifully with time) or charms is just another way to transition into a new task. Stay busy and let your creativity to flow.
If you or someone you know is struggling with seasonal depression, please reach out for help. There are many options, including Texting HOME to 741741. It is never too late to let someone know you are struggling. You matter.
