Meditation with Molly Jo S.

For over a decade, I have been a dedicated student of ecology, ethnobotany, herbal medicine, yoga, mindfulness, permaculture, ceremony and music. ​ ​I began my work as an environmental educator in Appalachia Ohio in 2005, and traveled to many parts of North America to share my love of our Earth with others, and to plant seeds of nourishment and sustainability in individuals and communities. In 2013, my mother unexpectedly passed away, followed shortly by the death of my canine companion of 15 years and a series of trials and tribulations. ​In my time of heartache and confusion, resorting to the lasting truths in my life — cultivating gardens rich with food and medicine; practicing meditation and physical fitness; communion with nature; and cooking nourishing meals — kept me grounded, healthy and calm in the midst of unsettling and trying circumstances.​​ ​I sought refuge in my Yoga and mindfulness practice; I received a scholarship from the Yoga Alliance which gave me the opportunity to complete a month-long Yoga Teacher Training immersion at the beautiful Shoshoni Ashram in the mountains of Colorado where I was held in the supportive arms of a community committed to sustainability on an ecological as well as human-consciousness level. ​Though I am convinced there is universal joy for humanity within the reconciliation of our estranged relationship to the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the land upon which we exist, I knew that the struggle at the heart of my work to inspire a sense of belonging and reverence within others was very likely rooted in the need to reconnect with ourselves- our own bodies, breaths and minds- first and foremost. I wholeheartedly believe that when humans live from a place of awareness of our own sacredness within a much larger, wholly connected, divine system, we make decisions that truly nourish ourselves and, therefore, truly nourish the whole of existence. It is my desire to empower all people to reconnect to a sense of place within themselves, their communities, and the great web of life, thereby cultivating a lasting reverence for our extraordinary existence. Adventures in Nourishment is about embarking on this journey of rekindling a vibrant reality for all, one breath at a time. I invite you to explore the myriad of ways we can work together to cultivate a more Mindful, Sustainable existence. With gratitude and lovingkindness, Molly Jo