A key characteristic of Midwest living is our relationship with nature. A comment about the weather is one of the first things non-Midwest people say to us when we tell them where we live, and we ourselves often develop entrenched habits and opinions related to living in a place with four incredibly dramatic seasons. In this setting, a time-honored and enriching practice takes root — foraging for edible wild plants. For many Midwesterners, foraging provides a connection to the land and a profound sense of wellbeing harmonizing with the region’s natural beauty.
Foraging, the age-old practice of gathering wild plants for food, medicine, and other uses, saw a resurgence in recent years. With a bounty of diverse ecosystems and a rich tapestry of flora, the Midwest provides an ideal opportunity for novice and experienced foragers seeking to explore the benefits of identifying and harvesting edible wild plants. Through foraging, nature can provide an attention-grabbing way to calm our central nervous systems, in many of the same ways we might foster wellbeing through practicing yoga.
For example, learning how to identify edible plants involves one of the limbs of yoga: concentration. The walking, bending, and reaching involved in foraging mimic many of our yoga poses, or “asana.” Additionally, the connection to oneself, to others, and to nature foragers experience shares qualities with the community found in a yoga class. Foraging is often a meditative journey; as practitioners meander through natural landscapes they engage all senses, becoming attuned to the subtle nuances of the environment. The rustle of leaves, the earthy scent of soil, and the vibrant colors of wildflowers create a symphony heightening awareness and presence.
Foraging in the Midwest is a celebration of the seasons. Spring heralds fresh, tender shoots and vibrant blossoms. Summer boasts vibrant berries and herbs. Autumn features abundant and hearty mushrooms and seeds, while winter offers evergreen leaves, bark, and nuts. Each season fosters a unique foraging experience, mirroring the cyclical nature of life and inviting foragers to embrace change and impermanence. People familiar with yoga philosophy may recognize in these aspects of Midwest foraging elements of acceptance, gratitude, impermanence, and non-greed.
The benefits of foraging extend beyond the physical act of gathering sustenance from the land. The practice fosters appreciation for the interconnected web of life, reinforcing the understanding that we are part of a larger, harmonious whole. This sense of connection is integral to the philosophy of yoga, and foraging provides a tangible way to embody these principles.
I wrote two guide books for those venturing into the world of foraging, offering identification tips and insights into the historical and cultural significance of each plant. Such books (and there are many good ones) serve as a bridge between the ancient wisdom of foraging and the modern quest for sustainable and harmonious living and wellbeing.
In the spirit of mindfulness, foragers in the Midwest tread lightly on the earth. The practice emphasizes sustainability, encouraging practitioners to harvest in a way allowing nature to regenerate and thrive, and fosters mindfulness of leaving plenty behind for other foragers, both human and not. This ethos aligns seamlessly with the yogic principle of ahimsa, or non-harming, creating a harmonious relationship between foragers and the land.
In a fast paced and disconnected world, foraging offers a slow, intentional practice to ground us in the present moment. It is a dance with nature and a journey toward holistic wellbeing. Through the lens of foraging, the Midwest becomes a living, breathing entity that harmonizes body, mind, and soul.
Kami helps people heal from trauma as a certified well-being coach and Level I yoga therapist. Specializing in SomaYoga, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology, Kami offers private sessions, workshops, and group classes through Tula Yoga in St. Paul. She wrote several books about nature and well-being, including Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners and Sleep Better Tonight. Kami created the program Body Peace Yoga® through which she helps other yoga teachers work effectively with people healing from eating disorders and body image challenges. Stanford Medical Center featured her work with wildfire survivors in research.
