threading through…
the old growth forests of our mountains are the bright golden rhizomes of Coptis (aka Goldthread).
Largely unnoticed, they live within the understory ecosystem, mediating between living soil and mineral soil; the place of moss, fallen leaf matter, microbes, and mycelium.
In the presence of Coptis we are invited to get low and quiet; to settle ourselves in the stuff of duff. From this ground level perspective, we notice a delicate three leaf ground cover rustling ever so slightly in the deep forest air currents.
From this low vantage, we are in position to admire the subtle unfolding ways and surprising stay power of this little evergreen who retains chlorophyll even under snowfall.
Truly a Goldthread, the thin striking yellow roots of Coptis source nutrients from the remains of long fallen giants, alchemizing their decay into a golden life-enhancing alkaloid known as "berberine".
Within this plant is a constellation of bitter tonic qualities that tonify and promote the rhythmic wave movement of our digestive system. Supporting a balanced inner earth microbiome that can assimilate the chaos of incoming matter and transform it into useful organized energy.
Through the medium of story, sensory exploration, and embodied movement, Coptis will serve as a metaphoric guide, threading us - perhaps mending us - into the larger ecology of our home place.
Together we will learn about this easily missed forest ally and its multidimensional medicine to support our seasonal inward shifting - the descending root energy of fall - for enhanced reflection, digestion, and assimilation.
What to expect at a Plant Immersion:
meditation, focused breath, storytelling
sensory exploration, examining the root, tasting the plant as an infused honey, herbal tea, decoction, and/or tonic.
kinesthetic learning about the plant through WildCore™, a somatic movement practice.
Date: Saturday November 18, 2023
Time: 12 pm - 2 pm
Location:
Harmony Woods Retreat Center
11507 S. Keeney Road
Sp
okane, WA 99224
Harmony Woods Retreat Center is located just 15 minutes South of downtown Spokane.
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