Week nine has finally arrived, and for the first time in a while I am hopeful that we may be leaving the cold winter behind. The weather has been in that classic mid-west mode of indecision; some days it rains and the wind blows with an icy chill; other days, it is sunny and warm enough to make you think that spring is really on the horizon.
After months of cold rain, gray skies and layers of clothing, even small changes in the weather seem refreshing.
More Daylight = More Balance
Additionally, the time change has allowed me to get out more during the evening hours, as there is now a bit more daylight available. I’ve taken advantage of this, and I go for longer walks than I normally do. When possible, I will also study outside. This change is small, but it makes my long study days much more balanced.
We are also heading into another series of exams, which means that we are returning to our routine of deep studying, reviewing and preparing. While that is happening, I find that being able to go outside for some fresh air or to go for a short walk between study sessions helps make all of this manageable.
In March, we are celebrating Women’s History Month, which feels meaningful in a field like this where so many traditions of healing and herbal knowledge have been carried forward by women. It’s something I’ve been reflecting on as we continue moving through the trimester and deepening our studies. As we continue to progress throughout the remainder of the trimester, and as we deepen our studies, may we move with reverence to the ancestors whose history keeping fuels the substance of our studies.
Ah, to be in the Garden Again!
On the Garden Club side of things, our seedlings are developing and it’s enjoyable to see their growth from week to week. Seeing the small beginnings grow into something larger makes the upcoming planting of the garden feel very close.
Soon, we will have the seedlings planted in the soil, where they will continue to grow and eventually become part of the living space we are creating for students to interact with the plants we are learning about.
Week 9 feels like a quiet transition. Spring is beginning to emerge from beneath the winter blanket, the garden is beginning to bloom and we are continuing to follow the academic rhythm of the trimester. It is busy; however, it feels stable, and that stability is making this the smoothest trimester I have had yet.
