Wild Guides & Natural Wisdom

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Greetings Wildflower,

 As I reflect this week on the simple, grounding tasks we engage in daily, I’m reminded of how powerful those small actions are. They may seem insignificant, but they are the foundation upon which we build our lives. This brings me to the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced as “HOO-guh”)—a way of finding joy, peace, and contentment in life’s simple moments. It’s about creating a space, both physically and mentally, where comfort and ease can flourish.

“For the present is the point at which time touches eternity.” – C.S. Lewis
This quote speaks to how every small action we take in the present moment, no matter how minor it seems, is part of something larger, something timeless. In tending to these everyday details, we connect to a bigger design—both in our own lives and in the world around us.

I recently planted micro clover in my garden, a modern take on the classic clover. Though it may be a more recent creation, its presence in my garden reminds me that even the smallest plants play a vital role. Micro clover is not just ground cover—it nurtures the soil, supports life, and creates a living carpet that connects me to my little oasis. In the same way, the small details we tend to in life—whether it’s sending a kind word, making a cup of tea, or simply registering to vote—are essential elements that nurture the larger landscape of our lives.

 In the words of designer, architect & filmmaker Charles, Eames, “The details are not the details. They make the design.”  Like micro clover, these small, consistent actions are what allow the tall trees to grow, the flowers to bloom, and the larger plans of life to unfold. It’s through the steady, mindful tending of life’s details that we create something greater—a life that is rich, meaningful, and designed with intention.

This week, I encourage you to embrace the hygge moments, the grounding actions that seem small but are foundational to your well-being. Because when you tend to these details, you’re not just checking off tasks—you’re tending to the treasure that is your life, shaping it with care and intention.

Tell us about the little things you did this week that make your life more nourishing?  Did you hydrate well, take some time away from social media, or send a friend a sweet note?  We'd love to share with other wildflowers like yourself how these words of wisdom are impacting your week.  Write us at
LivingME@wildflowerwisdoms.com. Your stories and feedback are what make our community so special.

As they say it one small, Caribbean island I love and know well, "Lots of little bits is still a lot."

With wild love and wisdom,
Mystic Mo 💖🔮💐🌺 

Hello, beautiful souls of the wild,

This week, let’s explore the profound symbolism of a flower bouquet and how it can teach us about the strength found in community. Just as a single flower can brighten a room, a bouquet—an assembly of diverse blooms—can transform a space into a vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and textures. Each flower contributes its unique beauty, creating a harmonious whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

In our journey with energy-limiting chronic illnesses, we often find ourselves feeling isolated, much like a lone flower in a vast field. But when we come together, sharing our stories, support, and love, we create a bouquet of resilience and hope. This collective strength is what sustains us, reminding us that we are never truly alone.

Consider the sunflower, with its unwavering gaze towards the sun, symbolizing loyalty and adoration. When paired with the gladiolus, representing courage and strength in the face of adversity, and the delicate yet hardy orchid, a symbol of resilience, we see a powerful message: together, we can face any challenge.

The dandelion, which we’ve discussed before, also finds its place in this bouquet. Its tenacity and adaptability remind us to bloom where we are planted, even in the most unexpected places. The marigold, with its vibrant hues, symbolizes warmth and creativity, encouraging us to bring light and joy to our community.

As we gather these flowers into a bouquet, we create a visual representation of our collective strength. Each flower, with its unique meaning, contributes to a story of unity and healing. This bouquet becomes a symbol of our shared journey, a testament to the power of community over isolation.

This week, I want to share a personal story. Behind the scenes, a few friends of Living ME magazine volunteered their time and talents. Without their generous support, we wouldn’t be able to create some of the free bonus items we will be offering to our community. Their contributions remind me of the beauty and strength we find in coming together.

I invite you to think of yourself as part of this beautiful bouquet. Reach out to others, share your experiences, and draw strength from the collective energy of our community. Together, we can create a garden of support and understanding, where each of us can thrive.

We’d love to hear from you! Please send your letters to the editor to LivingME@wildflowerwisdoms.com. Your stories and feedback are what make our community so special.

Remember, my lovelies, like the flowers in our bouquet, we are stronger together. Let’s nourish each other, spread seeds of kindness, and let our collective spirit bloom.

With wild love and wisdom,
Mystic Mo 💖🔮💐🌺 

Canary, Hedgehog, Bear: Time to Rest, Heal & Reveal

Hello, my wonderful collective! I hope you’re enjoying working with the guiding energies of our animal guides.

This journey is becoming both exciting and profound! While people in our lives may sometimes brush us off, we have the steady presence of the bear, hedgehog, and canary energies surrounding us this week. They’re staying with us, guiding us to integrate their unique lessons as we prepare for the next steps on our path.

The bear steps in with her loving energy, embracing us in a nurturing yet stern hug. She’s urging us to rest as much as possible this week because she senses travel or adventure on the horizon. But she reminds us that meditation and daydreaming can also be forms of adventure and rest for our minds. She’s saying: stop beating yourself up over things you can’t control.

We can’t control everything in life, and sometimes we can’t control our symptoms—but we can control our thoughts.

As I connect with the bear’s motherly energy, my grandmother in spirit pops in with a knowing smile, saying, “I’ve been telling you this for years, and now you finally understand when a bear tells you!” She’s quirky and laughing.

I had a conversation with a few members of ME International this week about stress. A wise woman told me, “We can’t heal when we’re stressed.” That really resonated with me.

This is where the hedgehog and canary energies come back into play. Let’s continue protecting our energy (hedgehog) and bringing joy and relaxation into our space (canary).

I’ve been pondering their message, and it’s clear we need to declutter our minds.

The canary guide reminds us of the slow life—cups of warm herbal tea by a rainy window, a little time journaling. Some of us may even have the pleasure of some wonderful company this week, perhaps a visit from people from the past. But our hedgehog guide warns us to curl up in our protective ball and stick to our boundaries when socializing, whether in person or during a Zoom chat in ME I Chat.

I wish you all the best of luck. Monique and I would absolutely love to hear how you’re doing and whether our animal guides have made a difference in your journey within our chronically ill collective.

Lots of love,
Kayla

 Carefree, Comfort & Comfrey

Greetings, Wildflower Friends! 

This week, the gentle and resilient comfrey plant graces our journey with its deep-rooted wisdom and healing presence. In many parts of the Caribbean, it is known as “knitbone” for its remarkable ability to mend and restore. Comfrey invites us to consider the places within ourselves that may need gentle, steady care.

Comfrey teaches us the value of slow, patient healing. Its roots go deep, drawing nourishment from hidden places and sharing it with the soil around where it grows. Just as comfrey nurtures the earth, it encourages us to nourish our own foundations, to tend to the wounds—both seen and unseen—that need time and quiet attention to mend.

My grandmother, Mary, was a gifted herbalist, but unlike Kayla's grandmother, mine was far more serious in her ways. I remember her using comfrey in her healing blends. She was always ready with a verbal scolding for us running a little too wild, all while trying to mask a smile as she applied her healing balms to the inevitable scrapes and bruises we earned in our playful abandon. There was a sense of peace in her touch, because we knew that she loved to watch us play as much as she loved to soothe us in her way. And the cool, earthy scent of comfrey lingered, reminding us to be mindful of the dangers that can arise even in play.

Like its lasting fragrance, comfrey reminds us that healing is not always swift or immediate. Sometimes, it’s a process of sinking our roots deep, of drawing strength from the earth, and letting time work its quiet magic. Just as comfrey enriches the soil, we too can find ways to enrich our lives, even in the midst of pain or challenge. This week, consider what parts of your life may need that slow, gentle restoration. Where can you let go of urgency and simply allow healing to happen?

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Guidance from Comfrey:

• Deep Nourishment: Just as comfrey draws nutrients from deep within the earth, take time to nourish yourself deeply. This could be through food, rest, or simply connecting with nature.

• Patience in Healing: Healing takes time. Trust that even if you cannot see it, your body and spirit are working together to restore balance.

• Boundaries of Care: Comfrey is a plant that needs careful respect, much like our own boundaries. It offers much, but only when used wisely. This week, honor your limits and give yourself the space you need.

A Reminder for the Journey: Comfrey’s message is one of resilience, of knowing that healing comes in its own time, in its own way. Like the soil it mends, we too can find strength in stillness, letting go of the rush and embracing the slow, steady work of restoration.

With love and healing energy,
Mystic Mo 🌿

Dear Radiant Wild Ones,

This week, the Cholla Cactus comes to us with its wild, resilient blooms, carrying a message of beauty in the face of harshness and strength in collaboration. The Cholla, with its tough exterior and vibrant flowers, reminds us that even in the most challenging landscapes, we can create moments of stunning beauty—and we don't have to do it alone.

Just as the Cholla stands tall in the desert, surrounded by companions like the desert marigold and penstemon, we too are surrounded by friends and allies. These companions help us stand firm and bright, even when our energy feels depleted or our spirits feel prickly. This week, the Cholla guides us to recognize the power of cooperation—leaning on one another, finding strength in each other’s support, and knowing that it's okay to protect our boundaries.

When we collaborate with others who understand our needs, we create a unique ecosystem of care, resilience, and flourishing. Our allies—those who understand our rhythms, our moments of retreat, and our bursts of bloom—are like wildflower companions in our life's desert. Together, we can nurture more bounty and beauty, even in what seems like barren soil.

Allow yourself to reach out this week, to lean into the kindness of those who respect your boundaries. Share your dreams, your struggles, and your joys. Let others help guard your energy as fiercely as the Cholla guards its delicate blooms. And in return, offer your own presence, your own understanding, and your own blooms of kindness.

The Cholla tells us that there is strength in community, in the gathering of kindreds who know the value of stillness and the need for vibrancy. Together, we can create a garden that is more alive, more beautiful, and more whole.

Wishing you a week of blooming in your truth and resting in the strength of your community,

With Desert Bloom Blessings,

Mystic Mo

Hello, Wildflower Friends,

This week, I felt the presence of both the hedgehog and the canary guiding us. These gentle, yet powerful creatures are here to remind us of important lessons as we navigate the wilds of living with chronic illness.

Hedgehog Wisdom: Protecting Our Peace

The hedgehog appeared to me at a moment when I was feeling overwhelmed—out on my weekly errands, managing my energy and mood swings, just as many of us do. A simple encounter with a fellow traveler—a woman who looked as weary as I felt—reminded me of the quiet strength we share. In that brief exchange, I felt a connection, a sense of community in our shared experience.

Seeing a hedgehog later that day felt like a sign. This little creature, with its spiky exterior, teaches us that it's okay to be a bit "spiky" ourselves when we're protecting our peace. We might feel the need to curl up and retreat, and that's perfectly alright. We’ve crafted lives that work for us, carefully choosing what supports our needs. That's something to be proud of.

This week, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can add more gentleness and simplicity to our lives. Maybe it’s a corner of your home that needs a little more comfort, or a ritual that brings you calm. I’ve created a cozy space with music and light reads—like my favorite book about unicorns that I read by a gentle light.

Canary Joy: Creating Together

Then there's the canary, bringing in bright, chirpy energy. The canary encourages us to find joy in creating our inner worlds, making space for relaxation and fun. This week, let’s share our favorite ways to relax and recharge. 

What are the small joys that bring you peace? I’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to contact@wildflowerwisdoms.com, and we’ll share some of the beautiful ideas from our wildflower community.

While I couldn't attend a friend's celebration this weekend to protect my health—an example of my own "hedgehog moment"—I’m finding joy in the small things that nourish me: music, warm blankets, my cats curled up beside me. The canary is here to remind us that there’s beauty in these moments too, and there’s always a way to connect and celebrate, even from afar.

Wishing you all a restful and joy-filled week ahead. Let’s keep blooming together!

With love and light,

Kayla

Hello, my wonderfully brave community! I hope last week's journey with our mothering bear guide brought you moments of comfort, strength, and connection. As we move into this new week, I'm feeling the bear’s energy still lingering, supporting us as we continue forward. She seems to be a steadfast companion for our community—a constant presence of protection and care. 

This week, as I tuned in to connect with our next guiding animal, I felt the bear still hovering gently, but then a new energy fluttered in. It's the Cabbage Butterfly! The arrival of this gentle, fluttering guide feels like a burst of lightness and good news. A sense of upliftment is on its way—something we can all welcome with open arms.

The cabbage butterfly holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my father, who taught me about nature from a young age. We would explore together, learning the names of plants and searching for wildlife. One of the first butterflies he taught me about was the cabbage butterfly, and to this day, I remember them gliding like silk through the air. I share more about this memory in a segment of Wildflower Wisdoms™ Living ME magazine called 💐Memories from The Wilds💐. Here, we gather stories of magical moments spent in nature—stories from all over the globe, in several languages. These cherished memories, like my father’s butterfly lesson, are like precious butterflies themselves—fluttering through our mind’s eye, bringing with them the nurturing energy of a bear's hug.

The cabbage butterfly brings a playful, creative energy, encouraging us to see ourselves as we truly are: vibrant and worthy, even when we’re struggling. In many ways, we are like complicated house plants, needing proper nourishment, rest, and a little sunlight in our lives. This butterfly reminds us to treat our bodies like the temples they are—taking in what nourishes us, both physically and spiritually.

This week, let’s channel the cabbage butterfly's energy of calm playfulness. If you find yourself in a crash or feeling low, try leaning into guided meditations, soft-spoken stories, or perhaps even art therapy. Remember, our butterfly tells us that feeling poorly does not make us less. We aren’t burdens; we are lights, bringing joy and support to those around us.

Let’s carry this fluttering, light-hearted energy with us. Dream a little, create a little, and most importantly, give yourself the grace to rest in this comforting space.

Wishing you all a week of gentle healing and uplifting moments.

With love and strength,  
Kayla
 

Hello, beautiful souls of the wild,

This week, we're guided by the resilient and resourceful dandelion—a flower that has been both misunderstood and underestimated, much like many of us in the chronic illness community. Often seen as a mere weed, the dandelion stands tall and proud, offering nourishment and beauty to those who take a closer look.

Did you know the three phases of a dandelion represent the sun, moon, and stars? The bright yellow blooms mirror the sun's warmth, the fluffy white puffballs resemble the moon’s glow, and those dispersing seeds floating on the wind? They’re like stars dancing in the night sky, spreading wishes across the world. How poetic that something so simple is so profound.

While dandelions have been labeled as pesky weeds in some places, in other parts of the world, they are cherished as lovely additions to gardens—especially by pollinators! Their nectar is vital to bees emerging from a long winter, offering an essential source of early spring nourishment. And as the saying goes, “Weeds feed the bees that feed us!”

But the dandelion isn’t just for the bees; it’s for us too. Every part of this plant, from root to petal, is edible and rich in nutrients. Dandelion tea is praised by herbalists for its ability to support digestion and liver function—an ancient remedy celebrated across cultures, from Chinese to Egyptian medicine. I always say, "Never underestimate a weed with a purpose."

For our wild community, the dandelion symbolizes tenacity and adaptability. It thrives in unexpected places, cracks in sidewalks, and forgotten corners—places where other plants might struggle. In this way, the dandelion reminds us to bloom where we are planted, to be unyielding in the face of adversity, and to make the most of where we find ourselves.

This week, I invite you to think of yourself as a "MEG"—a My Energy Gardener. As a MEG, we honor our energy levels, planting seeds of joy and resilience in our lives, just as we might cultivate a mix of wildflowers, including the infamous dandelion. I’m a MEG and a Mo, nurturing my spirit alongside my garden, even if it’s just from my window on the days when I’m too tired to tend to it. I hope you’ll join me in embracing this idea and perhaps even share your own "MEG" stories.

And for those who want more, check out our "M.E. Garden of Delights" regular magazine feature where we dive deeper into how we can create our own gardens of energy and intention. You can get a sneak peek of this seasonal magazine  segment in our special preview issue at: https://wildflowerwisdomwoman.company.site/products/Wildflower-Wisdoms-tm-Living-ME-Magazine-The-Summer-2024-Special-Preview-70-Full-Color-pages-Humour-Real-Stories-Poetry-Gardening-Art-&-Fun-Contests-p682540521

Remember, *my lovelies*, like the dandelion, we are strong, versatile, and beautiful in every phase of our lives. So, let’s take a lesson from our sunny friend this week: nourish yourselves, spread your seeds of kindness, and let your spirit float freely like those little puffball wishes.

With wild love and wisdom,  
Mystic Mo

At Wildflower Wisdoms™, we might not always agree on our choice of books, but that's what makes our recommendations so diverse and exciting! Our team of avid readers hand-picks books and shares why they love them—without giving away any spoilers, of course. 

Each month, we shine a spotlight on one editor's picks, revealing a new book every week and the reasons it caught their eye. This week, we're in for a special treat! Our Features Editor, Una Hearne, not only shares her pick but also gives an exclusive interview inspired by it. 

For the week beginning Sunday, September 8th, 2024, Una has chosen Pillow Writers Anthology: Near Life Experiences. This captivating collection of stories and reflections is available on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. Even better, proceeds from the sale of this book support #MEAction, an organization advocating for people with ME/CFS.

Stay tuned to hear more about why this anthology resonates with Una and how it might just become your new favorite too.

"The Cabbage Butterfly"

story by Kayla Doyle

edited by Monique Susanna Simón 

When I was little, my father used to take me and my family on adventures into the wilds of our hometown. He loved nature, and he passed that love down to me, teaching me the names of plants as we explored, flipping over rocks in search of snakes. I’m pretty sure there weren’t many snakes where I grew up, but it was a fabulous game. It got us all outdoors, embracing the fresh air and the magic of discovery.

One of the first butterflies I ever learned to name was the cabbage butterfly. I can still picture them gliding through the air, their wings moving like silk, gently catching the light. Their soft white wings with hints of yellow and green felt like a little touch of magic, a fluttering symbol of calm and purity.

I remember that sense of play and wonder that my father nurtured in me. It was a way to get us all into nature and, unknowingly, to teach us to be in the moment. The cabbage butterflies became our gentle guides. As they danced around us, they seemed to remind us to let go, to daydream, and to find joy in simplicity.

In moments when we are feeling low or doubting ourselves—when the world seems to weigh heavy on our shoulders—remembering these small, fluttering guides can bring a little lightness back into our hearts. They remind us that we aren’t a burden. Just as the cabbage butterfly brings a sense of creativity, healing, and pure joy, we too bring these qualities to those we love, even when we feel our energy is spent.

So whenever I see a cabbage butterfly.  It reminds me to allow myself to play, to dream, and to believe that even in our stillness, we have so much to offer.  I release my worries and rest in the knowing that there’s beauty in simply being.