At a time in this World when people seem very divided, it’s important to remember there are several experiences that can bring us together as opposed to pulling us apart. Some things are considered universal language. A smile, a hug, music, good food, a kind deed all of these have that one thing in common. It doesn’t matter what part of the World you are from, if you are a human with a beating heart in your chest, you understand these things. No words need be spoken to clarify and differences seem to disappear as if never there.
Roadside assistance on the reservation
As a child I remember a long road trip with my sisters, mother and grandmother. Five females in one car bound for the upper tip of Idaho. As we were crossing the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota our car came to an abrupt halt. Knowing not one of us had any mechanical inclination regarding the situation and seeming to be far from any town or anything as far as the eye could see, the feeling of doom fell over us. To give you a clearer sense of our dilemma, there was no internet or cell phones in those days. There were no pay phones in the middle of nowhere.
I searched my nine year old brain for options. My idea was to hitchhike because everybody knows what it means when someone is sticking out their thumb on the side of the road. However, we were somewhat afraid to leave the car not knowing the territory we were in and hundreds of miles from our destination. Suddenly a man with long dark hair in an old pickup pulled up beside us asking if he could help. He seemed to come out of nowhere and before long had us running and back on the road again. He would accept no compensation whatsoever and this man’s act of kindness was not lost on me. It was on that day I learned the lesson of paying it forward and the profound impact acts of kindness can have on people’s lives. Every kid needs a hero to show them the way.
Paying it forward
Becoming an herbalist has made this practice of paying it forward an easy one. For many, herbs are another one of those universal understandings. When the events at Standing Rock transpired and indigenous people from all over the World gathered in solidarity to stand against the Dakota Access Pipeline, a call for help went out for resources. Medicinal herbs were on the list and fortunately I had a plethora of them to send in response. Although it has been several years later, my hope is the herbs may have found their way to the man I considered a hero or his family and brought them some relief as he did my family on that day so long ago. You never know when or how you will be able to pay it forward. The important thing is you take every opportunity to do so.
True Value
To me and many others, herbs are more valuable than gold or any form of currency. I’ve been able to help people from all walks of life and received gifts or a helping hand in return simply by bartering. I’ve always struggled to put a price in the form of currency on herbs, especially the ones that grow freely and plentiful in my yard and greenhouse. I’ve never turned anyone away due to lack of funds and never will. We all have our unique gifts to offer and herbs have been around a lot longer than the U.S. dollar.
Last month we made a trip over the Southern border to Los Algodones in Mexico. With tensions as they are, I was unsure of how well we would be received. To my surprise we were greeted with warm welcomes and friendly people everywhere. Upon learning I was an herbalist I was led to the local botanica where I found many of the same herbs I use here at home and felt an immediate connection. Although most people in the town speak English I knew it wouldn’t be an issue there. Our connection with the herbs spoke for itself.
When a resident of the town noticed me observing a tree in his backyard he was excited to tell me about what he referred to as his “miracle tree” or “tree of life”, the moringa. Although I had heard of the moringa tree and knew of its significant usefulness, I’d never met one in person. He explained how it helped him with pain relief and helped straighten his wife’s arthritic fingers. He was more than happy to share some seeds with me along with his stories of fighting in Afghanistan alongside American soldiers. Unfortunately, seeds are considered a restricted item when crossing back into the U.S. They are, however, easy to purchase online.
As my friend Lorelei travels the World and sends back pictures, I realize I could probably go anywhere and have the same connection I found in Mexico. She as an artist has made connections with people in places that don’t speak English at all. Through her travels I’ve learned that in places where there are no supermarkets, herbs and spices are plentiful and sold by many a street vendor where people still know the importance of them in their daily lives.
I find it interesting that even in the most remote of places and being the only female amongst a group of men, my friend never felt uncomfortable or threatened in her travels. Upon our return from Mexico, the first question asked of me was if we felt scared or threatened while we were there and I’m happy to respond, not in the least.
I firmly believe that we as humans have more in common to celebrate than differences to divide us. I saw the wall when I was in Mexico and I thought to myself I wish it were a bridge. The only real way to know other people is to reach out and connect with them in person.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
~Mark Twain
As we proceed into the darkest months of the year, remember, laughter is another one of those universal things we all share. Gratitude is another. If you find yourself feeling down over current events, or feeling those winter blues creep in, shift your focus. Have a laugh, and ask yourself what am I grateful for today.
Mari Marques-Worden is a Certified Herbalist and owner of The Thymekeeper. For questions or more information contact: Mari at mugsyspad@aol.com or 719-439-7303. Mari is available for private consultation.
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