HEALING YOURSELF WITH HAWAI'IAN PLANTS AND TREES

As wonderful as it is to create original art, the truth is, I just don't have time. Haven't painted for more than a week total in the past year. I'm too busy working in my yard, which is certainly an art form. So I've decided to write about that, under this heading, since there wasn't a blog spot available for the plants and trees, no matter how hard I tried. Besides, I need to get outside and work some more before it starts raining again. Which I'm grateful for, which is why I moved to the East side of Hawai'i Island. The plants and trees of Hawai'i have long been used for their extraordinary healing properties. For centuries, the native peoples have used them to maintain good health and well-being. Healers and shamans knew how to extract the essences of many plants and trees. Ancient Hawaiians used the plants in their environment for many purposes, including food, and medicine. They brewed teas, pounded the roots of plants with a mortar and pestle, administered enemas, applied plant material to wounds and many other uses. They knew how to heal the sick as well as promote good health. Many Hawaiian medicinal plants continue to help people feel better today. Our modern world has streamlined the process for us by providing numerous supplements, pharmaceuticals, processed foods and beauty products. There is much wisdom with the ancient knowledge and nothing quite like growing, harvesting and creating your own nourishment. If you are lucky enough to live in Hawai'i, you already know the benefit of a year-round growing season. There is simply no reason to buy quite so much of what you use on a daily basis. It surrounds you. Planting trees is a wonderful and joyous way to grace our lives with their flowers, fruit, shade or beauty in our yards, in neighborhood parks or in the majestic forests. Wherever they live, they thrive and stay alive longer than humans. Trees represent living life forces and they share a special place in our lives. Many cultures throughout the world have created enduring bonds with trees as powerful symbols. Trees not only symbolize growth but they are the giant pillars of the garden. They also provide constant examples of being grounded by reaching down to the depths of the Earth with their roots, of being flexible, of demonstrating grace, protection, sustenance and beauty – all while reaching to the heavens at the same time. When we are surrounded by plants and trees, there is an abundance of oxygen, making it easier for us to breathe more deeply. Whenever possible, take a few moments to relax, breathe, and enjoy your environment. Being in the presence of plants and trees is a naturally healing experience. Take time to appreciate their grace and beauty. Express gratitude for their shade, fruits, leaves and bark. There is a natural, profound joy in the process of nurturing and caring for trees and plants. Birds become a regular audio and visual phenomenon as new interesting and wonderful smells emerge. Perhaps you will utilize biodynamic methods of cultivation, your animals can contribute to providing sustenance for the trees. Add a permaculture component: plant your trees and plants so that they compliment one another with design, light, color and yield. As you learn to utilize various tree and plant products, your level of appreciation will naturally increase. Working with plants and trees is also very beneficial. The process of planting and tending to them is healthy and invigorating, far surpassing any experience in a gym. It brings you closer to the earth, and connects you directly to a powerful source energy. Learning to identify, cultivate and utilize plants and trees, especially those from Hawai'i, can be one of the most profoundly rewarding experiences imaginable! When you are healthy and vibrant, you can influence others in the healthiest way possible. If you are interested in visiting my farm please visit: www.abeautifuldayhawaii.com