“Are you Juniper?“ my bank teller asked me when I went to make a deposit last week. ”No, Juniper Wellness is the name of my business, not my name.” I laughed, but then I thought; Juniper would be a pretty name. I’ll let my kids know they can use it. I’ll just tell everyone I named my business after my grandchild.
When I first decided that I wanted to create my own entity, I wanted a name that would embody how I felt about wellness. Being outdoors surrounded by trees, makes me feel grounded, mindful and joyful. John Muir got it. Just Google John Muir and you will have an immediate Instagram quote to superimpose over a serene mountain pic!
John was a cool guy. Ecologist, naturalist, writer; he is called the “Father of the National Parks” for goodness sake. That guy loved nature and it is clear by his instagrammable quotes that he sought out and received healing from it. I’ve been never heard his voice, but I imagine a lyrical Scottish brogue.
Of course there are others writers that laud the restoration and peace that can be found in the woods. Emerson, Thoreau, and more ancient philosopher Rumi describes the lessons nature can teach.
Any tree could represent this natural idea of healing and well being, but do you know how cool Juniper trees are?
Juniper often have berry-like cones that are used in cooking, medicine, perfume and, yes... Gin! Conifer oils used topically can reduce pain and inflammation. The wood is burned for incense and to repel vermin. The juniper tree engages all the senses and promotes healing.
They are also scrappy survivors. A Juniper can grow right on the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a deep scary ravine. The Juniper trusts its roots. Isn’t that what we all need in this anxiety producing world? We need to discover our roots. They are there but we don’t trust them. When you know where your roots are, you aren't afraid to branch out over the ledge and soar.
What have you done to #findyourroots today? Post a picture!
Find your roots!
”When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
John Muir. (This guy gets it)
