Turning Inward……..
In reflection when I think of roses I think of the shimmering light of the mid-summers sun, fragrance so sweet enticing both human and pollinator friends alike, softness in the caress of velvety petals, and yes the sometimes gentle sting of a prickling thorn. Not really much there to associate with a Winter Solstice………
Rosa Rugosa in the Envi Botanicals Garden in Southern Illinois
In preparation for a presentation I gave in the beginning of October for the Illinois/Indiana chapter of the American Rose Society, I experienced one of those serendipitous herbal a-ha moments. I mean really, if a plant could not have been any more clear in presenting itself as an ally- if it were to jump out of the ground and throw itself onto me, lashing me with its thorn ridden canes!!! When I experience these moments I have learned to take a step back, observe and reflect. Over the summer I had suffered loss and with that emotional setback left sadness and grief mixed in with the worldly distress I often carry. Sometimes its easy to neglect tending to my own needs, which I am certain is relatable. She was there, Rose was by my side offering her unconditional support. Of course I did not connect the dots until I was surrounded by all the beautiful rose energy of the conference. I knew immediately I wanted to be able to find a way to share this experience with others.
One of the many rose floral arrangements at conference.
I promise this will all tie together……
The Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year and a powerful threshold for inward reflection and renewal, a time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere when mother nature has also gone into dormancy. I could not think of a better plant ally, than Rose to call on for support through this darkest time guiding in reflection and renewal.
Somatics seems all the hype currently. But what does it mean really? To me somatics can be a singular or multifaceted therapeutic approach to self-embodiment through mindful movement (stretching, yoga, dance) breath-work, sensory immersion, meditation and visualization just to name a few, while recognizing feelings and sensations, honoring our body as a source of information and insight.
Rose as our plant ally, endowed with many favorable properties which may be supportive of certain maladies associated with this time of year. (Heart, Digestion, Nervous + Integumentary Systems). Rose vibrates with the highest of frequencies, promoting non-judgmental self awareness and self care. She invites us to look inward with an open heart supporting our letting go of what no longer serves, while offering us balance and showing us our need for protective boundaries. Rose illuminates light so that we may tend to our inner bloom.
“Perfume Cloud” our gardens newest addition, with a preview bloom of what is to come.
Join us in Sacred Space to honor the winter solstice. We invite you to a ceremonial practice release as we prepare for the return of light. Guided by the heart-opening spirit of our plant ally: Rose, this is an opportunity to tune inward, release what no longer serves.
What To Expect:
Part One: Presence & Intention Setting, Mindful Movement, Conscious Breath-work, Sensory Immersion with our plant ally: Rose, Release, Journal/Acknowledging your Inner Bloom
Part Two: Herb Crafting with Rose. Create a beautiful & fragrant potpourri jar to take home as we enjoy snacks and mocktails curated and adorned with Rose. Participants will also receive a favor bag of supportive materials and Envi Botanicals products created by Angela, including special prompts and adornments from Jackie.
What To Bring: Water Bottle, Journal & pen/pencil, A personal item for our collective altar, infused with an intention you hold for the coming season.
Inner Bloom: A Somatic Rose Retreat for the Winter Solstice
Sunday December 21. 1:00 - 4:30 pm at InSync
Facilitators: Jackie McFadden & Angela Batson
Cost: $85 per person. Space limited to 8. Must pre-register at InSync by December 13th. Cash/check payable to Envi Botanicals. For debit/credit scan the QR code below or email angela@envibotanicals.com
*Envi Botanicals members receive 10% discount
*Reach out to Angela at angela@envibotanicals.com if you are called to this retreat offering, would like to attend and are having financial distress- as we have one space reserved.
Come back to yourself in the quiet of winter. We look forward to holding this sacred space with you.
