How did you become interested in this line of work? (tell us a little bit about your background)

I have been drawn to spiritual things and nature for as long as I can remember. I was a young teenager in the 1960’s and gravitated towards vegetarianism, yoga, fasting and all things herbal. I became interested in natural healing in 1979 and began studying Shiatsu, Polarity, macrobiotics, flower essences, herbs, tuning forks – in short, I was drawn into the world of natural healing and have continued to grow, study, work with individuals, teach, and deepen my spiritual practice over the last 40 years.

Please share a wellness tip or word of advice that relates to the workshop you will be presenting.

I think one of the most important things we can do for our health is to rest. Not just sleep, but slowing down, taking a sabbath day each week and stepping back from outward activity, technology, media – taking time to meditate on what is sacred and holy in our lives, what is paramount in importance and to pull away from consumption and accomplishments. Spending time in nature is also deeply healing and reminds us that we and all life on the planet are connected through the earth. Also very helpful for staying well is daily use of herbs that are tonifying and strengthening to the body: nettles, rosehips, elderberries, oat tops, astragalus and seaweed to name a few.

What or who inspires you? (This could be anything from your mentor to your favorite quote)

I have, for many years, been deeply inspired by the work of Thomas Berry. He was a priest, scholar, professor and visionary whose book The Great Work: Our Way into the Future is one of my favorites. He writes extensively about how we must change our priorities and think differently about the way we live on this planet. He held a deep reverence for life, for the possibility of true redemption and renewal. He held a vision for the future in which human beings were not the center of the universe and that the earth might be a “place suitable for divine indwelling.” I am also greatly inspired by the work of Vandana Shiva whose enthusiasm and commitment to life are incredibly uplifting.

What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Certainly teaching the Green Medicine program twice a year for 25 years is something I am proud of and also grateful for. And I will always be grateful to Sandy Levine, The Open Center’s program director who recognized something in me before I did and invited me to teach this training. But I would have to say that what I am most proud of currently is the accomplishment of receiving my Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in 2019. My forthcoming book explores the intersections between theology, ecology and healing. My experience at Union has been pivotal to this writing.