February 2012

The term "adaptogen" is used widely in traditional western herbalism and, adaptogens themselves are important medicines to integrate into almost any herbal formula or used as simples. In fact, I believe that these herbal allies are an imperative component of modern life. Adaptogens refer to a variety of plants and fungi, and the word adaptogen indicates exactly what these herbs do; they help us to adapt. When searching for the etymology of the word adapt(one of my favorite pastimes), I found that its Latin roots are from ad-, to  and aptare-, join; to join. Also, from the Latin apere meaning to attach or bind. These meanings indicate an adjustment between two things. The current use of the word is defined by the free online dictionary as: to adjust (someone or something, esp oneself) to different conditions, a new environment, etc and to fit, change, or modify to suit a new or different purpose. Because I prefer to view life and the world from a cooperative perspective, I have inferred from these definitions that the concept of adapting or adapation is an interaction that occurs when two forces form a relationship and, in order to do so, both must be flexible and mutable enough to remain vital,alive and sovereign in the circumstances they have created in this bonding process. I do not however, subscribe to the Darwinian interpretation of adapting which perceives nature as inherently competitive and, if a species has the capacity or genetic predisposition to adapt, they will out-survive those that do not. I know that this is one bent on the truth, but not the only lens with which nature can be viewed. My direct experience with the natural world has taught me that we adapt by being in communication either within ourselves, with each other, with other species or even with disease patterns. In this dialogue, we learn what is needed in order for the whole of life to evolve and remain creative and, by hearing the message of the other, we can understand what is necessary, pertinent and life serving. Yes, sometimes this requires sacrifice, perhaps discipline and some degree of surrender, but in this consensual symbiosis there may become a glorious dance.