A Word

"The human mind is like a fertile ground where seeds are continuously being planted.
The seeds are opinions, ideas and concepts.
You plant a seed, a thought. And it grows.

A word is like a seed.
And the human mind is so fertile."

-Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

A word is not just a sound.
It is a force.

In his book, The Four Agreements, Ruiz explains that we use our words to create.
     We can buoy a life with one word of encouragement.
     Or destroy self esteem with one small utterance.

Prompted by Ruiz, I am compelled to use my word impeccably.

"Impeccability of the word will create love, beauty, heaven on earth." -Ruiz
This month, may I share a few impeccable words with you?

A Word: Boun-TEA
/ˈboun(t)ē/
Noun: Something given or occurring in generous amounts.

Speaking of Berries...
Author Robin Waal-Kimmerer explains that in her Native American language, the word "min" for berry is also the root word for "gift."

"In naming the plants who shower us with goodness we recognize that these are gifts...I can't help but gaze at them, cupped like jewels in my hand." -Waal-Kimmerer

Likewise, the berries in my field have taught me bounty.

Paired always with generosity.

Theirs to me.
Mine to others.

I understand from them that bounty is:

     A state of mind. 

       An awareness. 
          Flavor-notes in my teacup.
               A loved-one.

Teaching me to see and share my gifts.

A Word: Luminosi-TEA
/ˌlo͞oməˈnäsədē/
Noun: The quality of something that gives off light or shines with reflected light.

I love this word.
I want to inhabit luminosity.

Author Maria Nemeth offers a suggestion:

“Go on a ‘Luminosity Expedition’”

*I think she may have been inspired by honeybees*

Our experiences are luminous when we are fully engaged with life:

   Heart-opening
      Warm
         Present

Most recently, my luminosity expeditions look like:

   My daughter’s hug.
      A sunrise that transforms my field’s frost into diamonds.
         Inhaling lavender in my teacup.

 Where will your luminosity expedition lead you?

A Word: Clari-TEA
/ˈklerədē/
Noun: The quality of transparency or purity.

To see a thing…
For what it truly is.
For what it is truly made of.
For what it truly contains.
 

A cup of tea:

Herbs infused in warm water.

A cup of tea seen with clarity:

Sunlight.    Photosynthesis.    Blossoms.    Chlorophyll.   Soil.   Nutrients.    Movement.   Honeybees.    Butterflies.   Raindrops.

Love

This moment:

Reading my e-love-letter to you.

This moment seen with clarity:

A connection.
A mutual exchange of gratitude.
Honor.
Uplift.

Just a Moment
of Clarity.

“Words are things, I’m convinced. Someday we’ll be able to measure the power of words.”
-Maya Angelou

Dear Tea-Drinker, 

This month, may we be impeccable with our words. 

May we give impeccable words, bountifully. Like the priceless treasures that they are.
May we inhabit luminosity. And share impeccable words from a place of light.
May we speak and hear with clarity. And open our ears to the words that impeccably describe, with full meaning, each moment.

As always: 

Thank you 

I'm honored to be your herbal tea farmer. 

Be well,
Shannon