It’s been barely a week now since the raging waters and ferocious winds of Hurricane Helene wrecked such havoc throughout the southeast U.S. Like so many others, we woke the morning of the flood, shocked at first by the damage done, then overcome with grief at the immense amount of suffering and loss experienced by so many people, animals and other critters, and by the destruction of the land herself. Such sorrow and widespread loss is almost incomprehensible, and often results in a sense of hopelessness and the incapacity to do anything.
But exactly the opposite happened.
Like so many other like-hearted people across the country, instead of hopelessness, we jumped into action. First, contacting those we knew in the South, making sure they were safe, out of harm’s way, and then reaching out to others who were on the ground doing the hard work, asking how we could be of support and service. We’ve included a few links below (jump to links) for those who are looking for ways to connect to direct action.
Action is the opposite of hopelessness; it carries with it hope and the sense of empowerment that we can and are making a difference. The feeling of hope brings the awareness that we are not alone in this work and often connects us to a community of other hopeful beings. We learn that together we not only can make a difference, but are the difference.
All of us here – our ‘small but mighty team’, as Helen likes to call us – have been holding our Southern friends in our hearts, sending supplies and donations, and doing what we can to help those who have lost loved ones, their homes, and businesses. Such a horrific tragedy…but also how incredible to see people come together creating a force of such goodness and heartfulness that it spreads across the country, bringing us together, instead of apart.
“If you have ever felt like humans are a sorry lot from all of the cruelty and war, know that people come together when things fall apart in a way that you could never imagine. The generosity and kindness and impromptu organization and everyone looking out for each other…there are very few outliers doing anything selfish. Just remember that people are, by and large, good at their core.”
What’s so important for me to remember at these times ~ and perhaps good for others to remember as well ~ is we can all do something to make a difference, even if that ‘something’ might seem small and insignificant.
We never know how one small action can grow into a mighty force, like the smallest acorn that grows into a giant Oak. Does it know if it will grow, or how it will grow, or what it will become when it’s dropped from the Mother Tree? Or that single kernel of Corn when it’s planted in the Earth. Does it know that it will sprout and grow into a thousand kernels, enough to feed a village? We are powerful like those seeds, a mighty force of Nature when we choose to be.
While this storm was devastating, we know it’s not the last…the warnings and predictions we received from our elders so many years ago are coming to pass. There are few among us who don’t agree that change needs to happen. And who other than us to make these changes?
That’s what this storm, and the others like it—the fires, the droughts, the extreme weather conditions that are affecting not only us humans but all life on Earth—is asking of me now. How willing am I to make the changes in my life that I know are necessary?
This storm is asking the same question of each of us. How willing are we?
My dear friend, Ann Armbrecht of the Sustainable Herb Initiative shared this quote from one of the wisest and most heartful people I know, Dr. Tieraona LowDog:
“I think as a people and as scientists and as citizens of the planet, we need to step back and ask, is our ecosystem healthy inside? Is my ecosystem healthy outside? And what can I personally do as an individual that would be better for my health and better for the planet's health?...I don't have to do 50 things. But if every single person made a commitment to take one step towards a healthier environment, a healthier planet, a recognition that we're all citizens of this planet, and we share this planet together, I think you can see dramatic change.”
I have great faith in humanity, because I know if I am willing to ‘take one step, or many, towards a healthier planet’ than anyone can be willing. Together we are a mighty force of Nature, stronger than the wildest storms, capable of anything—including changing the world we live in to be a healthier place for all living beings, for all our relations, to live together in harmony.
It is possible, if we are willing.
There are many ways we can directly support the work that’s going on ‘on the ground’ in the flood relief areas. Here are a few ways:
Herbalist Without Borders
They have groups on the ground in all areas and are accepting monetary donations for supplies at this point.
https://donorbox.org/support-hwb-today-disaster-relief
Sage Mountain class on Emotional Support Resilience
Emily Ruff is offering her Emotional Resilience workshop as a gift. If you choose to make a donation for enrollment, all proceeds will be sent to Herbalists without Borders to support their efforts to respond in communities affected by Helene. https://sagemountain.com/product/emotional-resilience/
Botanica Mobile Clinic
If you wish to send money for donations, Botanica is working with Herbalista as the umbrella organization. You can donate here and write Botanica/Flood relief in the note.
https://botanicamobileclinic.org/our-herbalists/
Herb Kits for those in the wake of Hurricane Helene
Consider contributing what you can from your apothecary to:
Pam Gould
125 N Main Street #927
Clayton, GA 30525
Under the umbrella of Herbalista and BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies, Pam Gould, Earth Mama Remedies, is coordinating herbal kit production in Clayton, Georgia. Kits will be driven into the mountains where people are in dire need of supplies. Non-herbal first-aid items are also welcome.
Appalachian Voices has lists of organizations to donate to for each state affected.
about herbs for over 50 years. It is my honor and joy to share what I have learned with you, and to introduce you to my fellow herbalists and plant lovers!
