Reclaiming the Anima Mundi: Our Journey Back to the Soul of the World
There is an ancient concept known as Anima Mundi—the soul of the world. It’s the idea that the Earth isn't just a spinning rock, but a living, breathing entity, and that we humans are an inseparable part of its spirit.
Ideally, we should be intimately woven into this "more-than-human" world. But for many of us, that thread has been frayed. We feel a deep, quiet sorrow or a "great emptiness" where that connection used to be. Too often, we try to fill that void with consumerism, social media, or temporary distractions, but nothing quite sticks. What we are actually longing for is a seat at the great table of life.
The good news? The door is always open. Whether it’s through gardening, playing with a pet, or simply sitting under a tree, we can find our way back. One of the most profound bridges I’ve found in my decades as an herbalist is the practice of connecting with plants.
The Gentle Wisdom of the Green World
In my years working with herbal medicines, I’ve come to realize that plants are truly sentient. They are our elders—having inhabited this planet long before animals arrived—and they have developed incredibly sophisticated ways of existing. In my experience, they are some of the most generous and compassionate beings. As you deepen your relationship with them, you have the beautiful opportunity to stop seeing them as "resources" and start seeing them as teachers.
Keep a journal to record your experiences
A Sensory Practice: How to Meet Your Plant Kin
If you feel a bit lost in the modern world, herbalism can be your anchor. To start, try shifting out of your "thinking mind" and into your "sensing body."
If you aren't sure who to connect with first, look for "beginner-friendly" plants like Calendula, Dandelion, Marshmallow, or Peppermint. These species are incredibly generous with their energy and easy to find. Here is how you can begin the introduction:
Feel the Response: Before you even touch the plant, notice your body. Does your heart rate slow down? Do you feel a tingle of recognition? If you’re near Peppermint, you might feel a "lift" in your spirit or a cooling sensation in your lungs just by being in its presence.
Observe with "Soft Eyes": Instead of trying to identify the plant's botanical parts, just look at it. Study the sun-like geometry of a Dandelion or the vibrant orange of Calendula. Let your thoughts drift; sometimes, memories or images will flash through your mind like a waking dream.
Breathe and Touch: Inhale the scent of the leaves and the damp soil. Run your fingers over a Marshmallow leaf—they are famously velvety, almost like stroking a kitten’s ear.
Taste the Essence: If you are certain the plant is safe, ask permission to take a tiny piece. Hold it to your lips first, then taste.
Peppermint wakes up the nerves with a spicy chill.
Marshmallow feels soothing and soft.
Dandelion offers a grounding, earthy bitterness.
Listen to Your Dreams: Plant dreams are special gifts. They often offer creative insights that our waking minds miss. Keep a notebook by your bed and jot them down—they are part of the conversation.
Spend quiet time listening to the plants
Nurturing a Sacred Bond
Think of this as a new friendship. It will flow, change, and grow over time. You can even visit these plants in your heart when you aren't physically with them, asking them to deepen your understanding of their healing properties while you sleep.
As the wonderful Robin Wall Kimmerer says:
"Knowing that you love the earth changes you... But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond."
© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)