By Kripa Watts

Life and creation are inseparable.  You can see it every moment - in nature, in the cells of your body, in your thought process and in the abundance of artistic expression all around you.  Every human being is inherently creative.  Taking the time to honor your own creative talents can be a real source of joy, enriching your life in more ways than one.

Sadly, many people assume that they were born without talent and have shut down the possibility of nourishing their life with this invisible food.  If this is you, you might ask yourself how many times have you started on a project or idea and then decided to scrap it because your inner critic began reviewing the product of your efforts and judged them as inadequate.  Have you told yourself you can’t sing, can’t dance, can’t paint, don’t want to make a fool of yourself in front of others.  I say do it – be prepared to make a fool of yourself – you might end up having the best laugh of your life and you may eventually accomplish something you never thought you would be capable of.  Some years ago I visited a small sari weaving facility in Mumbai, India; I was told that in each of the magnificent hand woven silk sari’s there was a single, tiny almost non-discernable error.  Each error was purposely included in the design in honor of the idea that no human being is absolutely perfect.  To me, this small error represents the absolute uniqueness of each sari and indeed each human being.  In some cases the beauty of a moment actually lies in the error itself!

Another common limitation that stifles creativity is the idea that we are too old to learn something new.  Again I am reminded of a meeting some years ago.  I was looking for an item on Craigslist and found someone in a neighboring town with just the right thing.  When my husband and I arrived at her home we noticed a beautiful Cello, polished and shiny, standing in the corner.  This vibrant 65 year old was all to willing to demonstrate her musical prowess and we enjoyed an intimate recital.  She told us that, 5 years earlier when she was at a friends 90th birthday, she realized that if she took up a new ‘hobby’ that same year, then, by the time she was 90 she would have 30 years of practice under her belt.  It was a lesson for me which I hope I will never forget.

In order to bring your innate talents to the fore, take the time to consider what type of environment nourishes your ability to be creative.  For some people a quiet place, close to nature opens the doors of inspiration, others might find their spark when with a group of like minded individuals, and there are probably more than a few who are at their creative peak when surrounded by a retinue of pots and pans – I actually know someone who comes up with genius ideas when she has the house to herself and gets absorbed in the act of vacuuming!!  Once you know where your creative flow thrives, give yourself the gift of developing a relationship with that environment, build into your consciousness the idea that your environment and yourself work together to create beauty.

One of the subtle health benefits of creativity is the fact that it usually requires an element of focus.  A focused mind is a peaceful mind and this has a relaxing effect on the entire nervous system.  It is interesting to consider that a relaxed mind is actually more creative than an agitated mind, so, by allowing yourself the time and space to be creative you actually create a positive feedback loop – creativity requires focus – focus leads to relaxation and relaxation opens you up to creativity.  Whichever way you look at it you can’t go wrong – I encourage you to nourish your life and say yes to creativity.

by Brigitte Mars

You know spring is here when you catch a whiff of Violets (Viola odorata), which are members of the Violaceae (Violet) family. You may also know them as Heartsease. In mythology Zeus had a lover named Ione (from which the word viola is derived from). His wife, Hera was jealous and turned her into a white heifer and so violets were created by Zeus to give her something lovely to graze upon. Wherever Venus and Adonis lay together a bed of violets was said to have sprung. Persephone, the daughter of the Earth Mother Demeter, was picking violets when Pluto kidnapped her to live with him in the underworld. Athens was once known as "the city of violets."

The leaf and flower have been used for thousands of years by millions of people as an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic agent. Violets have been used to improve acne, anger, asthma, bronchitis, colds, eczema, fever, fibrocystic breast disease, grief, headache, heartbreak, lymphatic congestion, mastitis, mumps, psoriasis, scurvy, sore throat, ulcers, urinary tract infection, varicose veins, and whooping cough. Apply a cloth soaked in violet leaf and/or flower tea to the back of the neck to treat headaches. The flowers are eaten as a breath freshener.

Violet flower essence helps those that feel lonely, despite being surrounded by others. It increases openness and helps shy aloof people that want to share but feel overwhelmed.

As long as the leaves are heart shaped, the leaves and budsare edible raw in salads or as a potherb. The flowers are edible and make a beautiful garnish. Freeze the flowers into water in ice cube trays for a touch of elegance. Violet sherbet, puddings, and candied violets are sweet delicacies. Violet tea is most often prepared from the leaves.

Ancient Greeks wore crowns of violets to promote serenity and sleep. Ancient Romans would plant violets upon the graves of children. Violets are regarded as a symbol of innocence and modesty. Violet is the state flower of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. Violet flowers are carried to bring good fortune.

Violet leaves and flower contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, salicylates, the flavonoid rutin, mucilage, and in the flowers: essential oil.

Violets are pungent, bitter, and sweet, cool and moist and corresponding to Venus, and the element of water

*Violet leaf tea is safe and gentle; it even can be used as a substitute for baby aspirin. Do not substitute African violets as a medicine plant.

Viola odorata is native to western Asia and Europe but is widely cultivated and naturalized. This evergreen perennial grows to about 6 inches in height and has heart-shaped leaves. The flowers are self-pollinating and purple, pink, lavender, or white in color. They usually have five petals, two on the upper portion, two laterals, and one on the bottom. Though flowers appear in early spring, the true seed-producing flower is inconspicuous and appears in autumn.

In gardening, violet leaves are used as a fertilizer for leaf crops. Some Native Peoples have soaked corn seeds in cool violet tea to prevent insect damage during germination.

In the garden, violet provides nectar for early butterflies. The plant prefers full to partial shade, soil that is rich in organic matter, and moderate to high amounts of water. There are over one hundred of the Viola genus. Most are perennial, though there are a few annuals in the genus. Viola. tricolor, also known as Pansy, also edible is one of the most recognized.

Violet Vinegar

Place as many violet flowers as possible into a jar. Cover with white wine vinegar, cork and allow to steep for one month, shaking daily. Strain and refrigerate. Voila!

Violet Honey

In the spring, collect 2 cups violet flowers. Place in the blender with 1 cup raw unfiltered honey and the juice of 1 lemon and blend. Store in a glass jar in the freezer. Use as a spread on sprouted crackers.

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