V. Dave Leonard: Listening to Plants: A Gathering of Friends, 8 PDA Points NCCAOM, California
This course examines non linear indigenous approaches to plant human interactions. We will explore our relationship to plants and the subtleties that may be missed in our TCM, Naturopathic, or Western Herbal styles of medicine. To educate herbalists in the non-linear practices of gathering plant medicines. To engender respect for native ecosystems. • To recognize the relationship between prehistoric practices and modern medicine • To present possible benefits for herbalist to gather their own medicines. • To present a context for possible gathering practices • To give an example of a traditional gathering practice • To examine the possibility of gathering information directly from plants
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I. Articles
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Why Gather?
If we are to create a world suitable for human habitation, we must bring the sacred back into our medicine and into our lives. Without a genuine connection to the earth, we lose our medicine and the roots of our humanity.
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Gathering
From both a Hawaiian and a traditional Chinese perspective, the best way to enter and move through the forest is to draw one's focus or awareness into the "na'au" (the area of the lowerabdomen). This area is significant in many traditional medicine practices. It is known as the "dan tien" in traditional Chinese medicine and the "hara" in traditional Japanese medicine.
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Listening
One day, you will notice that you are paying attention to your patients in a different way. You find yourself using plants, even the ones in the clinic, differently.
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Preparing to Listen to Plants
Plants are all around us but very rarely do we pay attention to them. They create the air we breathe and the food we eat. Nothing in our life is possible without plants.
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Gathering Protocol
In traditional cultures there are likely as many gathering rituals as there were families. In terms of Hawaiian practices, the order and sequence of any protocol will vary depending on the family and tradition.
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Practitioner as Shaman
Both Hawaiian and Chinese medicine are indigenous earth-centered medicines that have what the Daoists call a "view", that is a perspective through which one can live one's life. Most traditional cultures have a view, a single unified explanation of the universe. With a view one can cook a meal, build a house, fight a war, make love, and raise a family, all from a single unified perspective.
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II. Audio
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Hawaiian Medicine: Knowing Plants, Shamanism, and honoring our Roots.
Lonny Jarrett and David Leonard discuss Hawaiian Medicine, Herbalism, and our roots as human beings in the medicine, the plants, and the earth.
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Group Call with Dave Leonard
This is the group conference call with Dave Leonard. Please listen.
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III. Discussion
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Online Discussions
Please read these posts.
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IV. Essay Questions
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Answer One Essay Question in at Least Three Paragraphs
The best essays will be posted as part of the class. Please mail your response to: Lonny@nourishingdestiny.com Please keep a copy for your records
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