Praying to Red Berries
Nita Gilger and Jay McDaniel
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Images from US National Park Service and California Native Plant Society
Manzanita Magic Prayer
By Nita Gilger
Manzanita means little apple in Spanish. It was the manzanita bushes that first captured my attention on our recent Yosemite trails hikes. Our first hike to Mariposa Grove was fairly solitary in that early morning hour. Other hikers came later on our decent.
The bark on the manzanita bush is such a deep, beautiful shade of red and the shrubs can grow in the most unlikely, inhospitable places. They handle dry climates with little soil and grow amongst the boulders and stark wonders of Yosemite in northern California. The indigenous peoples of that area found many medicinal uses from this plant. They made a tisane from the leaves to treat poison oak. The leaves also are good for stomach ailments and can even treat sores and headaches. The red berries are a food source and can be turned into cider.
I was reminded again of the rich blessings of nature. I felt a passion about preserving it and honoring every precious part of it. In those amazing moments where we first hiked to experience the giant sequoias, I also felt a strong connection to the native peoples who understood so very well that we and all of creation are inextricably connected. As I walked, I said silent prayers of thanksgiving. I breathed in the powerful energy and vibrations of nature all around me. I shared the same air and felt the same ancient call to honor every particle, cell, leaf, and berry around me. And, in wonder, I felt that I was being honored as well.
Manzanita Magic Prayer
Oh, red berries and healing leaves,
awaken our hearts to all that can be
when we honor creation.
Teach us how to grow even when drought comes
And seemingly impossible conditions
Surround our lives.
Guide us to persevere and find
Our usefulness for the greater good of all.
Invite us again and again to honor and
Share beauty from within and without.
Help us to adorn our lives with fertile giving
To be shared with the deepest respect and love.
Heal us. Amaze us and create
A fire of passion that compels us to care for all.
Amen.
Nita
The bark on the manzanita bush is such a deep, beautiful shade of red and the shrubs can grow in the most unlikely, inhospitable places. They handle dry climates with little soil and grow amongst the boulders and stark wonders of Yosemite in northern California. The indigenous peoples of that area found many medicinal uses from this plant. They made a tisane from the leaves to treat poison oak. The leaves also are good for stomach ailments and can even treat sores and headaches. The red berries are a food source and can be turned into cider.
I was reminded again of the rich blessings of nature. I felt a passion about preserving it and honoring every precious part of it. In those amazing moments where we first hiked to experience the giant sequoias, I also felt a strong connection to the native peoples who understood so very well that we and all of creation are inextricably connected. As I walked, I said silent prayers of thanksgiving. I breathed in the powerful energy and vibrations of nature all around me. I shared the same air and felt the same ancient call to honor every particle, cell, leaf, and berry around me. And, in wonder, I felt that I was being honored as well.
Manzanita Magic Prayer
Oh, red berries and healing leaves,
awaken our hearts to all that can be
when we honor creation.
Teach us how to grow even when drought comes
And seemingly impossible conditions
Surround our lives.
Guide us to persevere and find
Our usefulness for the greater good of all.
Invite us again and again to honor and
Share beauty from within and without.
Help us to adorn our lives with fertile giving
To be shared with the deepest respect and love.
Heal us. Amaze us and create
A fire of passion that compels us to care for all.
Amen.
Nita
