Plants are our elders on this planet.

With millions of years more life experience than human beings, they know more about how to adapt to change than we do. Here in New York City we are surrounded by plants—often seen as mere weeds—that have the ability to support us physically, emotionally and spiritually. 
 
On Saturday June 3rd, join herbalists Laura Marie Ruocco, Jess Turner, and meditation teacher Elaine Su-Hui of Inner Fields for a plant walk through Prospect Park to meet the plant medicines growing all around us. 
 
When we learn to identify the plants we encounter every day, we are better able to understand ourselves as members of a living community. Plants go from being uniform and unknown, to our trusted friends and allies—opening our eyes to the magic that surrounds us. 
 
The day will be divided into three sections: indoor meditation, outdoor exploration and classroom learning. Our meditation will focus on embodiment and using our connection to plants to ground ourselves. Our classroom discussion will focus on the concept of flavor in the Western herbal tradition. The flavors of a plant indicate the qualities it possesses, and the processes it supports in the body. For each of the plants we discuss, we will explore what taste can tell us about these plants’ actions on the body. With this framework, attendees will be equipped with tools to understand any food or plant they encounter. 
 
*Rain or shine*
 
We will begin the day at MINKA and walk from there to Prospect Park (a 5-minute trip). Please bring your own lunch, a notebook and pen or pencil. Herbal tea will be provided.