Early yesterday morning, I spent a little time wandering Rasmussen woods, admiring the birds and the plant life surrounding me, noticing how the flowers are flourishing. The spiky, magenta Burdock flowers particularly caught my attention, right along the path – an underappreciated source of beauty.

Later in the day, as I pictured those blossoms, I thought of how many may consider this plant a nuisance, while others appreciate its gifts and its medicine.

Recently, I’ve been exploring and learning about Burdock root, and its traditional uses. It’s claimed to contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties. Through the years, I’ve generally been growing more interested in foraging, especially plants that grow in abundance here in Minnesota. It is a practice and reclamation that is both physically and spiritually beneficial, deepening my connection to both myself and to the web of life, both to the land and the indigenous wisdom of the ancestors who explored and shared their findings.

I find some metaphorical wisdom in this relationship I am developing to Burdock. How there are many ways in which we might experience various relationships as annoying, frustrating, or painful, yet still have the opportunity to harvest what medicine is there.

Today and always, my prayer for our collective life is that we choose slowness and stillness frequently enough that we make a habit of seeing the beauty and the gifts in the ways we relate to life.