Walking With the Harvest Moon

Hi,

It's 11:30 in the evening and I just returned from
a walk along the old mines road. The temperature
is a mild 12 Celsuis, which is nice for walking.
There is a slight breeze in the air, which, also,
adds to the pleasure of walking.

The sky is clear and the moon is taking full
advantage of it. Even thought we're still several
days from the full moon, I had to make special
note of its brightness. This is going to be a
spectacular harvest moon!

At one point I stopped to listen at the waves
lapping against the shore of Minamkeak Lake.
The sound carried very well up through the woods
to my ears. It was tonic medicine to my mind
and spirit, carrying away the stress of the day's
activities.

Then, later, as I walked past a field, I heard
the snorting of an animal, probably a deer, but
gave little attention to it.

On my return, I walked into the moon, experiencing
its strong effects. When I was a quarter mile from
my home, I left the road, visiting a clearing
covered with caribou moss. The moss reflected
moonlight, making for sharp contrast with the
shade covered forest floor on the perimeter of
the clearing.

Pleasant memories -- healing memories to be
carried through the coming winter months and
beyond.

My best regards,
Laurie

Kayaking on Minamkeak Lake

Hi,

We had a beautiful Thursday on the south shore
of Nova Scotia. I took advantage of it and went
kayaking on Minamkeak Lake.

I put my kayak in the water at the head of the
lake, and explored some of the small inlets and
coves there. At one point, I noticed several
freshly peeled sticks, the work of beavers who
are probably building a lodge or dam at some
point along a nearby stream that flows into
Minamkeak.

I then paddled into a small cove and up to a
large rock that a friend of mine affectionately
calls "Eagle Rock". She saw a large bald eagle
sitting on the rock, one day, looking down over
the lake. The eagle had a terrific view of the
lake, from its position on the rock.

The eagle on the rock, was an honour and a
special gift to my friend. It's always very special
to be in the presence of an eagle.

I was out on the lake for several hours -- I know
it's soon time to put my kayak away for the winter,
but I'm content in the knowledge that I have many
pleasant memories from kayaking these past
five or six months.

Bye, for this time,
Laurie

Hi,

I'm pleased to announce that the Natural Healing Talk
Forum is now online! So, Click Here to check out the
forum.

I had planned to go walking tonight, but chores seem
to have gotten in my way. Earlier this evening, I was
away giving a plant medicine talk to the Bridgewater
Garden Club. I had a good group -- about 20 people --
who were enthusiastic over my presentation.

It's always nice to talk to people who are obviously
quite interested in your topic.

You know, I think I'm entering a strong period of
creativity. I have four writing projects in the back of
my mind, that I plan to focus on, soon! I also have
another project that requires a lot of editing; but, in
the end, it'll be worth the time and effort.

Well, must go for now. I'll return later this week.

Bye now,
Laurie

Evening Stroll

Hi,

It's 8:30 in the evening and I just arrived home
from an evening stroll. The night air is cool as
it's only 6 Celsuis.

Have you ever noticed how the stars twinkle in
the cool autumn atmosphere, or on a cold winter
night? I love it! The sky comes alive at such a
time, enhancing the connection we feel with the
universe.

As I walked down my lane, I heard the rustle of
bushes -- a rather heavy rustle -- too heavy I
thought for a small animal. So, I waited. Finally,
I saw the dim outline of a porcupine moving
through the beech saplings.

It was the little porcupine that's been staying
near my place for the past two years. I always
enjoy greeting this porcupine as we've developed
a sort of kinship and affinity for each other. In fact,
I've adopted many of the wild animals in the
vicinity of my home, as friends.

The walk was nice, and even though we're moving
into a new moon period, it's surprising how much
light is available when your eyes adjust to the
darkness. However, I'm excited about the next full
moon period, as I plan to walk to Leipsigaek Lake
by the light of the moon.

For information about it, go to the following
webpage and scroll down to the "Field Walks
and Presentations" listings.

I'll return, soon.

All the best!
Laurie

Natural Healing Talk Newsletter

Hi,

I decided to post the latest issue of my
Natural Healing Talk newsletter. I hope
you enjoy it!

I'll be back tomorrow evening, or on the
weekend, with another post.

See you then!
Laurie

Natural Healing Talk
September 30, 2007, Vol., 2, # 18

If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with
friends!

Thanks!


==============================================
Contents
==============================================
General Comments
Feature Article
Featured Web Link
Ethnobotanical Note
My promotions
Your Space
Quote
General Info
Unsubscribe


==============================================
General Comments
==============================================
Hi Everyone,

The "Plant Walk for A Pie" event was a smashing
success this year! I want to thank everyone who
participated in the event. We had a total of ten
people and three dogs for the field walk and pie
eating celebration.

There wasn't a cat in sight! :)

You can read a post about the event, and see a
couple of photos by visiting my nature blog
(Click on the photos to enlarge them.).

If you would like a good online resource on the
side-effects of various drugs, including herbal
interactions, then, go to the link, below. You may
even want to place an "icon" on your desktop, as a
handy shortcut to the database.

NewsTarget DrugWatch database
http://www.newstarget.com/DrugWatch_Home.html

I have several plant/tree medicine presentations
lined up for the autumn season. For instance, I'll be
in Bridgewater, Halifax, and New Glasgow, Nova
Scotia -- for dates and locations, go to the following
page and scroll down until you see the listing for
"Field Walks and Presentations".
http://www.wildworldofplants.com/medicinewalk.html.

Also, I am currently in the process of setting up a
Forum on the Natural Healing Talk website for
general topics, food recipies, and remedies. I'll
let you know when the forum is up and running, by
posting a note on my nature blog, and in the next
newsletter.

Well, that's it for this time!

All the best!
Laurie


==============================================
Feature Article
==============================================
Walking and Meditation: Tools for Experiencing
the Changing Cycles and Seasons

I like to go walking any time of the year, but,
especially, during the spring and autumn seasons.
There is such a wonderful transition happening
during those periods with an abundance of potent,
healing energy, in the atmosphere.

It's beautiful to go walking on an evening in early
spring, and to feel the changes taking place in the
environment, as it prepares for a new growing
cycle. By the same token, even though autumn
signifies the closing of a cycle, that season has
the powerful energy that comes with its maturity.

I was thinking about those things, as I went
walking along the road near my home, yesterday.
I was thinking how both walking and meditation,
can help us to channel the subtle energies of the
seasons. Even basic meditations, involving deep
breathing, or focusing on the sounds of animals,
birds, or of water over rocks in a stream, can
help to balance all aspects of our being.

Walking outdoors allows us to experience the
subtle shifts of nature, as it puts us in direct contact
with the environment. I suppose this is largely why
I enjoy walking -- to experience nature, directly.
And, I suppose this is largely why my walking is
done at a leisurely, steady pace. I tend to walk at
a pace that allows me to appreciate and observe
what is happening around me.

I mentioned the value of meditation in establishing
a balance in our lives. We can use the combined
tools of walking and meditation to become more
aware of seasonal cycles and energies. I'll conclude
by giving you a simple exercise, in this regard.

This autumn, try to begin a daily walking routine,
where you proceed at a steady, leisurely pace. In
other words, walk with your natural rhythm and at
your regular speed. Do not "power walk" or use
multi-media devices such as an mp3 player, ipod,
or whatever.

As you walk, pay attention to the landscape, and
things that are characteristic of autumn. Then, use
one of your observations as a daily meditation. Sit
in a comfortable position, relax, and focus your
attention on that characteristic of autumn. Do this
for a period of ten to fifteen minutes.

If you have difficulty with the meditation, focus on
something concrete such as a beautiful autumn
coloured leaf. First, take several deep breathes,
relax, and gently focus on the leaf. Then, if you like,
close your eyes and visualize the leaf. Hold the
visualization as best you can. Do not strain. If you
lose the vision, open your eyes and focus on the
leaf, again.

This meditation will gradually bring your life into
greater harmony with nature and the natural cycles.
It will have a soothing influence on your life. You
can perform this meditation with the four seasons
of the year.

Good medicine always,
Laurie


==============================================
Featured Web Link
==============================================
The Healing Power of Plants -- Virtual Museum of Canada
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/~healing/welcome.php


"As long as humans have been human, we’ve been
trying to cure what ails us by using the healing power
of plants."

This is an excellent site, and you really should go
there to check out the many different topics covered.
They have an interesting section called, "Medicine
Hunters," or the search for plants that heal.


==============================================
Ethnobotanical Note
==============================================
Pineapple Weed or False Chamomile,
Matricaria matricaioides (Less) Porter.

This is a plant often found around farm yards, country
houses, roadsides, and places where the soil is
packed or hardened. The plant has an interesting
odour that is a bit like pineapple, and its leaves
resemble those of the carrot. I just went outside to
check, and discovered that I still have it growing in
my back yard, along with plantain. It has grown there
for many years. The pineapple weed and plantain
tend to keep company, and to grow under similar
soil conditions.

Pineapple weed is directly related to the chamomile
plant, Matricaria recutita L. In fact, it makes a suitable
substitute for chamomile tea. I enjoy it very much. Its
medicinal qualities are similar to chamomile, but
somewhat milder. Some western Native peoples
used the plant as a perfume. It was used externally to
treat itching and applied as a poultice to sores. Like
the chamomile plant, pineapple weed tea is soothing
for mild stomach problems.


==============================================
My Promotions
==============================================
High Energy Foods!

This ebook is 106 pages, and packed with valuable
health related information. And, unlike many dietary
books, it takes a middle-of-the-road approach, to
food and dieting. As well, it comes with several bonus
ebooks!
http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com/products.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download the "Sweet Grass Prayers" ebooklet!
http://www.wildworldofplants.com/sweetgrass.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a good autumn read, try, The Way of the Crow!
This is a book I wrote about my pet crow.
http://www.thewayofthecrow.com


==============================================
Your Space
==============================================
This is your space -- send your ads or events to me at
yourspace@naturalhealingtalk.com. The listing must
relate to nature, health, wellness, self-improvement, or
spirituality. I reserve the right to edit or reject
submissions. This is a no fee listing service.

(I will show a maximum of five listings per issue.)


==============================================
Quote
==============================================
"The talent for being happy is appreciating
and liking what you have, instead of what
you don't have."

-- Woody Allen --


==============================================
General Info
==============================================
Natural Healing Talk © Copyright 2007,
Laurie Lacey, except where indicated otherwise. All
rights reserved world-wide. Reprint only with permission
from copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of
their respective owners. All contents provided as is.
Advertisers are solely responsible for ad content.

To contact me:
laurie@naturalhealingtalk.com

To subscribe:
http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com and complete the
subscription form to join my list.

Please feel free to use excerpts from this newsletter,
but give credit with links to my websites, below:
http://www.wildworldofplants.com
http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com


==============================================
Laurie Lacey is a writer, naturalist, medicine maker,
and painter, with extensive background in traditional
plant and tree medicines. Visit his blog at:

http://www.thenaturewriter.blogspot.com/
(It contains "Links" to all of my websites)


==============================================
Disclaimer: The material in this newsletter is for
information purposes only, and is not meant to
replace professional medical advice and treatment.
Any use of information in this newsletter for treatment
or self-treatment is strictly the responsibility of the
individual(s) involved in said treatment.

Natural Healing Talk is an opt-in ezine available by
subscription only. I neither use nor endorse the use
of spam.

Thank you for reading the newsletter!
Laurie