Offerings

​By Jenn Sepulveda, Elderberries teacher

Our wanders through Nature nourish us on so many levels. When I’m out and I feel overflowing with the beauty that unfolds before me at each step, I often want to reciprocate. I want the land to know that I’m witnessing the generous offering of gifts(the breath of the wind rustling leaves and grasses, the dance of sunlight through the morning dew dipped spider webs, the sustained chorus of birds and insects, the intricate patterns of leaves and petals and seeds…).

I want to acknowledge and give back… but how? Here is one suggestion that I particularly enjoy:

When you’re out exploring with your child in your own back yard or in the nearest open space,  consider making a practice of honoring the places you frequent by leaving behind a bit of beauty for Nature to enjoy.

• Bring along a harvest basket or a handkerchief to temporarily hold your treasures. 
• Take a moment to harvest some of nature's beauty along the way(different colored leaves, interesting sticks or stones or…)
• Sing a little song as you harvest (to the leaves, to the flowers, to the trees…) in gratitude for their medicine and their beauty.
• Your child will make up their own song if you ask them. Children know just what the plants want to hear. 
• Once you are satisfied with your harvest, set out to find a place to leave your special offering. You might choose the base of a favorite tree, or the top of a boulder, or near a fairy’s house.
• Create a mandala of beauty with your treasures, and sing, sing again!

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