In some Native languages
the term for plants
translates to
“those who take care of us.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
It’s a fiftieth anniversary! That was the thought that crossed through my mind as I hiked up a wooded hillside trail. I let the thought pass and walked onward, immersed in the surrounding sounds forming their own rhythmic conversation. Far beyond the grasp of words, everything belonged – the stones in their silence, hawks in their soaring, streams in their rippling, and my boots in their footfall on the pathway softly cushioned by the fallen needles of the redwood and pine trees.
As I rounded a bend in the trail, the thought returned. This time I paused, wondering about this curious thought. A memory of a tiered cake, sequined dresses, suits, and a large gathering of family slowly arose into my mind. I felt a different sort of belonging than on the trail, yet laughter and chatter enveloped and held me within this other sort of earthly ancestry. Here, that belonging that I felt was being in the midst a long-past celebration of my maternal grandparents and their fifty years of marriage.
The memory seemed to further open my awareness into the ever-unfolding story of belonging. I say this because just as I turned to continue on the trail, I noticed that adjacent to the bend in the trail where I had paused was a small meadow of equisetum arvense, commonly referred to as horsetail. The presence of the horsetail prompted me to choose to linger a bit more.
At first in my lingering, I pondered the simple and serene beauty of the horsetail. Their soft, symmetrical whorls and slender cores seem to courageously embody the sacred co-existence of transcendent peacefulness and ever-changing manifestations. Even though they were once towering forests and have tracings to over 100 million years ago, they are modestly and endlessly generous. They attract pollinators, stabilize the ground where they gather and quietly offer healing and caring qualities to many other life forms, including the human youngsters who have been on earth for less than one percent of the time as the horsetail.
Then, somewhat embarrassingly, I realized this was the fiftieth anniversary I was intended to notice! As I stood there, I realized horsetail has been a supportive plant friend to me for five decades. The relationship has changed over time, beginning with creating a golden color in yarn that I dyed and now being a supportive nutrient for my body. Throughout horsetail has been a welcoming companion along countless trails and pathways – always caring for me and all life that is near. I am grateful for horsetail inviting me into a sense of belonging again and again. I hope you will join us through rekindling your own experiences and memories of belonging.
Practice
This practice supports awareness of sacred support.
Prepare—
- Remove all digital devices from your space, except the one you are using to read this practice. This includes any devices on your body except those medically prescribed. If comfortable, also remove your shoes and socks. (Please no worries if you feel more comfortable or stable covering your feet.)
- Standing, slowly walk in a wide circle three times in one direction. As you walk, invite an awareness of each foot gently touching the surface beneath you. If inside, imagine the surface of the earth beneath the floor.
- Pause. Repeat in three more times in the same direction. This time imagine, the earth gently touching your feet.
Practice—
- Step inside this circle you have created through your walking. Imagine as though it is sacred ground.
- Pause anywhere within the circle. Reach your arms upward above your head. Recall the connection with the earth through your feet and simultaneously invite awareness of your fingertips connecting to the vastness of the sky above. Take three comfortable breaths here. Then, gentle relax your arms to your sides.
- Find the approximate center spot of the circle you had created by walking. Reach your arms into a “t” position and slowly pivot with your arms extended. Imagine as you pivot that your fingertips are reaching the inner side of the circle you have created. Pause, with your arms at your side.
- Bring your hands over your heart-center – one palm on top of the other. Invite an appreciation that you are supported by: the space around, below and above you; the elements of earth, fire (in the sun), water, air, and space; the unseen generosity of plants and other beings; and your own unique essence and body.
- With your hands still over your heart-center, gently close your eyes. If comfortable, offer “thank you” to the circle. Then, open your eyes and with care step back to the edge of your circle. One time, walk in the opposite direction to symbolically close the circle.
Transition Back into Your Day—
- Find a comfortable seated position and sit quietly for a few moments.
- When you are ready, transition back into your day.
This quote appears in Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer and published by Milkweed Editions. H E A R T H is posted each new and full moon. KateVogt©2025.
