When I first started holding space for herb tastings it was in response to an urging from the plants, an inkling of desire that I felt assured would lead in a particular direction. I grew accustomed to making tea and sitting still each week looking forward to seeing who would join in. It’s been a delight and a deeply meaningful task that I felt honored to tend, learning so much from the practice including what it feels like to fulfill such a commitment and especially when it’s time for closure. As we move into winter the plants are quieter in the garden, sunroom, and my own heart. And so I will follow their lead and root down. For now that seems to mean following a creative thread weaving through patterns of words and images and I’ll look forward to finding out in spring if the plants call again and in what way.

If you’d like to hold this space for herb tastings, I would be so happy to pass the baton to you. If you’d like to create a different space in which to hold herb tastings, I would be happy to support your efforts.

We’ll end this iteration of herbs tastings on December 21 with a final tasting of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) to celebrate the end of one season and beginning of another.

Gratitude to all who have participated and encouraged, to the plants, and to those who reminded me that the empty is okay and to follow what’s true in endings as much as in beginnings.