"It's a process of unlearning, a process of feeling and hearing the plants again"

- Stephen Harold Buhner

Workshop Description:

In our modern technology infused world we develop many rituals - so many of which (though prettyy comforting) serve to distract, numb and disconnect us from ourselves and the living breathing world that surrounds us. This has gotten us to a place culturally that is harmful to ourselves, one another and the planet. Integrating plant medicine into a daily ritual or self care practice can serve as a gentle reminder of our relationship to the life around us. It can also be empowering to realize how much of a hand we as individuals have in our own care. Plants provide our bodies with a new blueprint through which to heal, learn and grow in relation to the natural world.

Workshop Takeways:

This workshop is intended to provide you with an introduction to the world of plant medicine and a basic overview of the different preparations that can allow you to begin integrating herbal medicine into your life. With an introductory understanding of herbal preparations and approaches you maybe even feel empowered to experiment with your own plant medicine making! It will provide you with a preliminary understanding of herbs that can come to the rescue during periods of stress, insomnia, burnout or a general sense of disconnection. As a group we will reflect on modern 'rituals' and how herbs can be awesome replacements for some of less 'inspiring' practices we as a culture have developed. You will walk away with tangible practices based on your own lifestyle that will allow you to begin weaving the wisdom of nature into your everyday.

Claire Bourgeois is currently working for Grow NYC . She moved from Toronto to NYC 6 years ago and began teaching yoga and hosting retreats. This led her to adventures producing Wanderlust Yoga Festival. Realizing the amount of waste that turned up at these major festivals, Claire set out to create the Wander Without Waste, zero waste sustainability program. Her passion for sustainability is largely driven by her connection to the plant world. As an herbalism student Claire has pursued trainings with Robin Rose Bennet, Peeka Trenkle, Steve Brill, Pascal Baudar and most recently during apprenticeships with Chanchal Cabrera and Herb Pharm. Claire is driven to re-open the dialogue between humans and our natural world, and is endlessly fascinated by the realizations and conversations that arise out of simply, listening.