V. Dave Leonard: Listening to Plants: A Gathering of Friends

30 May 2011

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

  1. Audio

    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.

    Group Call with Dave Leonard

    This is the group conference call with Dave Leonard. Please listen.

  2. Articles

    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. See PDF file:  

    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 …

    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. See PDF file.

    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. See PDF file:

    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. See PDF file:

    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, …

  3. Discussions

    Online Discussions

    Please read these posts. archive.nourishingdestiny.com/themes/187/discussions

  4. 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. See PDF file:  

    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 …

    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. See PDF file.

    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. See PDF file:

    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. See PDF file:

    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, …

    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.

    Group Call with Dave Leonard

    This is the group conference call with Dave Leonard. Please listen.

    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: [email protected] Please keep a copy for your records 1. Describe your use of plant medicines to date. 2. Describe in detail a plant experience that has generated a strong emotion or sensation in you such anger, ecstasy, fear, awe, or respect. 3. …