#startfromwhereyouare

Why the hashtag?

When it comes to studying herbalism, starting from wherever we are recognizes our individuality and our life experiences. The hurdles are different, the complexities are different, our wants and needs are different, our locales are likely to be different and hence, possibly our materia medica.

Starting from wherever we are is important because it may help in overcoming the obstacle of simply “starting”. But oh … once we start! What a glorious ride it can be. My continuing educational path is a testament to the many ways an herbal journey can expand and the continuing joys of learning and integrating new information.

Even with little or no experience of working with plants, or studying herbalism, starting from wherever we are is an honest place from which to begin. For one thing, this approach recognizes that we each bring something to the table. Never do we start with nothing. As a mentor, working with folks who come to herbalism anew, or who are approaching a particular phase of their education and training, it’s important to recognize that a multitude of skills accompany us on our journeys.

It’s true that there’s so much to learn and think about, from identifying plants to identifying constitutions of our clients; from planting and harvesting to working with clients; from selecting and blending herbs that support health and wellness to attracting a client base and blending our skill sets to grow a thriving practice … it’s true, there is much (and that’s not the half of it!).

Studying herbalism can sometimes give rise to a sense of feeling overwhelmed. It’s not just making the time and space to learn, or even shouldering the cost of learning. Many times a sense of overwhelm arises from not knowing what path to take, what direction to move in first, how to integrate or synthesize information and how to bring it into practice in a way that makes both sense and a difference.

Mentorship

Mentorship offers an opportunity to discuss all these questions and more. Mentorship fosters confidence, supports practice, offers individualized feedback and guidance. Mentorship, like an apprenticeship, offers experience. With that experience, a mentor is able to guide a mentee along a myriad of paths and address important questions that perhaps a mentee cannot yet ask simply because they don’t yet know enough to ask.

Too, there’s many a student who’s too timid to ask their questions in a group setting or to ask for repeated help with new concepts.

Mentorship creates a space for each mentee to start from wherever they are.

Some people come with an interest in growing medicinal herbs for use in cooking while others aren’t seriously interested in either growing or a kitchen focus. One person may be interested in making medicines and stocking a brick and mortar while setting up a practice and working with clients is another mentee's dream.

Working with family. Working with friends. Working with clients. Three short phrases that encompass a multitude of skill sets to enable the safe and effective practice of herbalism.

And “practice” is key.

Each of us brings not just a skill set to the table but a range of interests. Mentorship supports an individualized approach to learning, embraces interests and awakens others. Mentorship offers a safe space to practice, receive personalized feedback and ask questions. It offers direction while building confidence and skill.

Unlike fixed programs, mentorship offers an ideal environment for the “independent learner”. Many folks think that being an independent learner [of herbalism] is somehow “less than” joining a program or a school. That’s just rubbish ~ nonsense. I know too many fine herbalists who can disprove this statement and let’s face it, herb schools are a relatively new innovation while the practice of herbalism amongst humans spans century upon century.

It’s true that schools offer a set curriculum but a set curriculum is not for everyone. Fixed dates for classes, projects and assignments that require a set time commitment can add additional pressure to a life. This too is not for everyone. Many herbal students begin their study amidst a host of other obligations.

One of the things I like most about herbal mentorship and mentoring is that I work with a flexible calendar, and I work differently with each mentee. The direction, focus and flow of information varies with each and every mentee.

Asked once for an analogy about independent study, and working with a mentor, I suggested that it’s a bit like wanting to make a meal for family and friends.

Each of us might prep differently, some choosing a menu slowly, others not; some shopping the day before, others the same day; some might like to linger in their kitchen garden while others will head to the local food store; some may ready foods before they start cooking while others will do so as they progress; some may favor stove top dishes, others oven-based fare. All in all, anticipation of a fine meal. Yet along the way, if new to cooking or preparing a particular dish, then guidance, direction and encouragement may indeed be welcome and affect the outcome.

While the study of herbalism is multifaceted and some people may be comfortable in a formal program/school, formal programs end. Many students report feeling adrift at the end of a program lasting two, three or more years … and then what?

Working with a mentor at this stage offers a different type of insight, direction, and opportunity for growth.

As we continue to grow and move through varying stages of our herbal education, I hope each of us will call ourselves an independent learner. I hope too that everyone considers working alongside a more experienced herbalist as a mentee, either remotely or face-to-face or in a way that supports their personal journey.

“We begin each day anew and never from the same place as yesterday. This, too is why the hashtag #Startfromwhereyouare.”