gratitude

This is a sentimental entry as well as somewhat of a departure from the typical ‘Fleurbain concept’.

In the last few days, I have thought about the folks?áwho have got through to me. ?áThese people have been my teachers.

I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the people in my life who have not seen knowledge and skill as exclusive, a commodity, a rare resource. ?áInstead, they have had the energy and time to teach me. ?áThey were able to teach me things I did not even imagine prior to knowing these things. ?áI feel rich in my experience.

I have a positive outlook, most of the time. Other times, I can be stubborn and have my doubts. ?áI think this is a good thing; it means I have a brain and I have an opinion?áabout my reality. ?áIn the end, however, I feel lucky when I look back and see that people have stuck it out with me and have helped me adopt new understandings or take on new skills. They helped me out of my mud, the sticky clay fixing me to ‘what I know’, and they did this even when I may have been initially filled with doubt that there was anything new in a particular direction.

These people have confidence and skill. ?áThis helps in keeping my attention. ?áThey care about people and they are not afraid to share. ?áThey are not threatened by others having these skills and information. ?áThey want me to know, because they care that I succeed. ?áThey also don’t act like they own me just because they taught me something. They are happy to pass it on for the sake of passing it on. ?áI like that. ?áI hope that I can do the same.

Here is a tea that will help you stay alert and ready for new information while you are with your teachers.

Mix together:

1 part green tea (Camellia sinensis promotes a calm mental focus)

1 part peppermint (Mentha x piperita is excellent for nervousness, anxiety, mental fog and lethargy)

1/2 part rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis is a well known memory aid and circulatory stimulant)

1/2 part sage (Salvia officinalis. I occasionally add sage and drink the tea cold when I want to stay cool and alert while under pressure.)

Put one teaspoon of this mixture in a teapot or mason jar. ?áAdd two cups of freshly boiled water. ?áSteep for 10 minutes and enjoy.

Tammy Schmidt, Montreal