Blazing Star Herbal School

A year of Both And...

intro to first newsletter of 2021

It's been a while, please forgive me. I did not mean to disappear, at first things were changing so fast, What seemed relevant to share one day seemed insensitive or simply not useful the next. As the days became months I started to get quiet,  taking in the world around me, studying the effect of the news on people, studying my friends, studying myself, studying peoples resilience, observing the "shit show that 2020, turned into" taking it all in, and getting quiet enough to hear my guides again. And while quiet I began to assess my work both professionally and personally. I am now ready to emerge again. 

For the past two decades I have run Blazing Star Herbal School alone, and for the past 17 years I am been a single mother, it's been exhausting, exhilarating, hectic and non-stop. I had reached my limit and needed a break! Ironically the last book I ordered from my local library in Feb was  "Chasing Slow" by the time I  finally picked up in July (when the library re-opened) life had changed so dramatically (foreshadowing perhaps) You could say life stalled. 

I begun quarantine enthusiastically taking advantage of the pause, cleaning my house, catching up on some books, thinking I had two weeks until life resumed. When two weeks became four, I decided to paint my home, and do some projects no-one has time for, such as sanding the butchers block etc, . . .then I went through all my belongings, weeding out what I no longer need, use of bring me joy!, when that was done and piled high in the basement! I then I went on a quest to find some good fitting jeans (ordered lots of pairs and returned lots- and the irony of good fitting during a pandemic where baking has become key to survival). It was about now that I realized this was a long term "pause" and I had to pace myself so I began to go on long walks, sometimes with friends sometimes solo and explore the surrounding area, photographing things that inspire me, engaging my sense of curiosity and wonder.  As I wandered deeper and deeper into the woods old parts of me returned, parts that gotten lost after parenting for so long. Remembering what brings me joy, what inspires me to create, I begun to explore plant eco printing, anthotyping and cyanotyping (alternative photographic methods) and couldn't stop. Yes -there were many days when I was frustrated with myself for not finishing my book, not creating more content, not putting out a covid care protocol, not doing enough, not sharing enough not being enough, how dare I rest! I kept hearing loud and clear! that it was time to listen time to be quiet. Time to plant seeds and dream.

 I feel strongly that it is time for us to create the world we want to live in. (I know my apprentices are tired of hearing me say this!) In order to do this we all need to show up be part of the process and be willing to do the work. We need everyone's skill set, there is a role for everyone. Growing community is the way forward, we all need to feel connected on many levels, to each other, to animals, to plants, to elements and to the planet.

 

My first offering of 2021 is an updated " The Art and Revolution of Self Care" beginning on Imbolc also known as St Brigid's day,  Feb 1st.  

 

To read the rest of the newsletter follow this link

The Art and Revolution of Self Care

 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence.

It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Audre Lorde

🌻

 

 Care to join me, beginning Feb 1st, 2021

 

Some days we get through by buying ourselves flowers and chocolate from the grocery store! Today was one of those days for me. Often we need that one little action to shift the energy and to be able to take those small steps needed to start to feel more like ourselves. 

We need us all for the long haul. There is this huge collective grief that we are processing; it is important that we unplug for a while daily and take a walk outside, notice/touch a plant, give yourself a plant "limpia", turn to your plant allies, breath in unison with the Earth, notice your surroundings, give gratitude for your blessings, consciously prepare/eat nourishing food, laugh with a friend, kindly look into the eyes of another human being, sit in circle, be in community, re-invision community,  be extra kind to yourself and others. Remember we are in this together! No-one needs to suffer alone. Reach out! Love one another.

Something I have learnt is that by creating reliable self-care habits we can unlock the fullness of life. Be prepared to start feeling very full :-)! The best road to self care is to establish  simple daily practices which reminds you of the gifts, benefits, blessings,  you enjoy and the goodness that prevails in your life. Step by step we can reset our past programming and begin to treat ourselves with love.

 

 

about the program:

🫀It is an invitation to re-set, to gather and grow together

🫀Each day for 28 days you will receive an email with an attached PDF, featuring a prompt,  a practice, a sample ritual, a quote/affirmation, and a seasonal recipe or two*.  Some practices will be cumulative (and others a one time experience). Some days you will find the suggested action easy and some days perhaps a little more challenging, some days the rituals will speak right to you and other days you may want pass and to create your own. 

* I try to keep them simple with items which most people have in their homes or can be found at the local grocery store, if I suggest a more specialized herb or ingredient I will offer more common alternatives also. I want to introduce nourishing herbal practices to you but also make it immediately and transformative

🫀You will be guided to create your own personal self care toolkit and manual. 

🫀You will begin our time together by receiving one 20 min one-on-one phone/zoom session with me to discuss your holistic self-care needs and challenges (this will take place during  week 1)

🫀We will end our time together with a community gathering (on zoom) where we'll gather and raise a cup (tea, cacao, spiked cider- whatever brings you joy) and celebrate each others growth and successes and share our journey.

🫀We will have a private Facebook page to document your progress and share challenges with other, I will be popping in daily to cheer you all along and offer inspiration and support.

 

What you need to participate in the class:

Really just show up and participate

🌱A Journal or notebook (a place to catch your thoughts) would be helpful

🌱30-45 minutes set aside for you each day during your 29-day experience

🌱Willingness to try new things! and find new ways to be in community.

 

🌻

Together we will define Self Care and its importance. 

Create a culture, community and Practice of Self care

Explore Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Wellbeing

Be Intentional, Be Strong together

Create Ceremony and Prayer

Integrate and Inspire

Commit and Reward

 Be in Gratitude

and Love

Join the Self - Care Revolution! 

🌻

We will begin this journey on Friday Feb 1st and be in-community until March 1st.

 

Program Fee:

Sliding Scale $33-$99

Paypal: The Art and Revolution of Self-Care (or request Venmo info)

A word about the sliding scale: Please offer what you feel comfortable paying. If you are able to pay more know that you are supporting someone who is struggling financially but feels like this program would benefit them.  If you are buying the course and gifting it to someone please let me know. Once I receive your payment I will be emailing you more details.

 

about your guide:

I, Tony(a) Lemos have been a community herbalist for close to 30 years and have been the Director of Blazing Star Herbal School for 21 years guiding and mentoring herbal apprentices on their journeys with plant medicine. I am passionate about sharing my love of plants, people and the planet and helping people experience the feeling of connection which happens when communities are formed.

I am also passionate about Self Care, the intersection of herbalism and lifestyle, Sensory Plant Medicine, Spiritual Health with Plants and the Plant/Person relationship.  I also offer holistic herbal lifestyle consultations and individualized healing sessions. 

Beyond the Blazing Star Herbal School I am a published author and have lectured at multiple venues including the Northeast Women’s Herbal Conference,  the Green Nations Gathering, the Flower Essence Conference, The Northeast Aromatherapy Conference, NOFA MASS,  United Plant Savers and the CT Institute of Herbal Studies (1996-2006) and a multitude of local healing centers and yoga studios.

More than anything I love bringing people together who share interest in what it means to be in a  healthy relationship with all sentient beings.