In the pace of snails

Snail has been an important teacher for me since the very beginning of my journey of learning and of communing with the plant medicines. This little friend was always there to remind me to take things slow. That rushing is unuseful and could be even harmful.

When the plant teachers opened the spirit world to me and showed me my truth, I wanted to learn all about the plant medicines fast. I wanted, as soon as possible, to be able to begin working with the plants and begin a professional practice with it. Yet, snail showed me that the learning process cannot be rushed. For if I wanted to learn with the plants, I needed to learn at the pace of nature. 

Nature’s rhythm is not rushed or fast-paced, but rather slow, where change transforms itself slowly, gradually and gracefully. In our modern societies today we got used to getting things quickly; fast food, quick deliveries, fast internet, and fast change. We want things to happen and change tomorrow and we get deeply frustrated when our wishes are not met. Through my apprenticeship with plant medicines, I am in the process of deconstructing this modern mindset from my mind. I want to enjoy the learning process and give the time I need to make changes in my life and of others.

In this learning process I also learnt an important lesson: healing is not black or white. Every person heals in a completely different way and in a different timing. For some people, realisations happen quickly, while for others, seeing things with clarity may take a bit more time. That is the beauty of it and nature is also like that. 

Nature beings have different timings. We can see this in spring when some trees bloom their leaves earlier than others, following their own life cycles. In this process, I learnt to respect my own timing and the timing of my loved ones. Today, I don’t expect them to change or learn what I am learning at the same pace as me. I have learnt to respect their timing and they have learnt to respect mine.

Everyday, I carry Snail in my heart. Whenever that feeling of urgency appears, Snail arrives to calm my heart and mind. We can embrace the snail in our lives and allow ourselves that moment of pause, reflection and deep breath. 

The calmness, stillness and silence is fundamental in the journey of learning the plant medicines. It is in these moments of solitude and deep introspection that we can learn who we truly are and what medicine we carry and can offer in this world. 

I am in the process of finding my own path, taking small steps in the pace of snails.

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Book recommendation:

• Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson

  • This is a beautiful and inspiring tool that draws upon ancient wisdom and tradition to teach the healing medicine of animals. With this guide you may find other animals that speak to you and share their wisdom.