Back to Nature

When I think I've heard or seen just about everything there is to know about Oklahoma, I am quickly reminded that there is a lot yet to discover about my beloved home state. In a recent edition of my local newspaper, I perused "A Connection Back to the Earth" by Graham Lee Brewer. His article was my introduction to 'wildcrafting' which is foraging through fields for wild food. Yes, that includes edible weeds, flowers, and roots. I'm not quite ready to jump on the band wagon to learn this ancient food source but, nonetheless, I am very intrigued.

According to the article, Jackie Dill, a silver-haired Cherokee woman, learned wildcrafting from her grandmother and is referred to as the Oklahoma queen of foraging. She said (and this is the part that really spoke to me), "...the closer you are to this earth, the better you are at being a human being." I believe this lady expressed, in just a few words, a treasure trove of wisdom.
Spending time outdoors is something I thoroughly enjoy. Whether it's on my hands and knees digging in my flower beds or hiking on a secluded mountain trail, I feel close to God and at peace with the world when I am in nature. Working alone in my garden, I have plenty of time to think about my life and commune with God. Walking among tall trees and on a narrow trail, reminds me of how small I am and dependent I am on a trail map and a Spiritual Guide.

Of course, there are thousands of ways for people to become closer to this earth. My husband enjoys cycling and running in the early morning hours, my cousins enjoy fishing the beautiful Colorado lakes, many folks love to be on a golf course, and my dad and Grandma Minnie spent hours tending their vegetable gardens. I daresay they are (or were) all better people for being outside and enjoying God's vast and diverse creation.

The bottom line is that I want to be a better person, and at my age and with my experiences, I pretty much know what it takes. As I sit in church or as I commute to work and home in my car, I often consider the areas of my life that need work. But, I really like the idea of figuring it all out with dirt under my fingernails or as I push myself to climb a difficult trail up the side of a mountain. And with that in mind, I think I'll go for a walk and get a little closer to this earth and as I do, maybe I'll find a tasty plant to snack on!