The Connection Between Plant Wisdom and Rest with Leigh Joseph

Brea interviewed Leigh Joseph, the founder of Squalwyn Skincare, on the Heart and Bones Podcast for the Better Sleep Program. This was an excellent opportunity for Leigh to educate listeners about plant-based care and the profound wisdom found in nature. As an ethnobotanist from the Squamish First Nation, Leigh shared her insights on how forming relationships with plants can enhance our wellbeing, simplify our busy lives, and help us reconnect with the earth.

This blog provides an overview of their conversation and serves as an additional resource for those interested in learning from Leigh or incorporating her suggestions into their personal practice. Don't forget to listen to the episode for a guided land-based meditation by Leigh!

Understanding Ethnobotany and Plant Wisdom

Leigh’s role as an ethnobotanist has allowed her to immerse herself in the complex relationships between people and plants. She defined her work as, "I study and research and work within the area of the cultural interrelationships between people and plants." Which often involves exploring how plants serve as food, medicine, and materials.

Combining Leigh's academic knowledge with teachings from her community highlights the importance of considering plants as kin rather than commodities. This perspective fosters a reciprocal relationship where both humans and plants support each other, enhancing health and long-term wellbeing. Leigh's aim is to merge Western scientific methodologies with traditional wisdom to strengthen our bond with nature and foster sustainable habits.

The Impact of Cultural Connection to Plants

Leigh shared with Brea how modern disconnects from nature can lead to a loss of balance and wellness. She discusses the concept of "plant relatives," encouraging us to see plants as integral parts of our communities and histories. "Through my training as an ethnobotanist academically, I've taken a Western scientific approach and really kind of delved into...what plants grow in. But it's been really important for me to bring that together and weave that together with the beautiful teachings that have been shared with me by my community."

Reclaiming Indigenous Plant Knowledge

Leigh stressed the importance of reclaiming and maintaining indigenous practices and knowledge, particularly in the context of plants. This reconnection with traditional ways is not only a form of cultural preservation but also a radical act of healing and resistance against the ongoing impacts of colonialism and environmental degradation.

Through these practices, Leigh underscores that integrating plant wisdom into daily life does not require grand gestures but can be achieved through simple, mindful actions that reinforce our connection to the natural world and enhance our overall well-being.

The Transformative Description of Plants in Dreamwork and Visualization

According to Leigh, plants can be transformative in both dreamwork and visualization practices, offering more than just physical health benefits—they also support mental and spiritual growth. She emphasizes that in Indigenous cultures, plants are viewed not only as physical entities, but also as spiritual guides and teachers.

• Dreamwork with Plants: Leigh discusses how plants are integral to dreamwork within Indigenous plant knowledge. "Dreaming too is very much connected to plants," she notes, explaining that certain plants are believed to facilitate dreaming and spiritual communication. For example, she mentions the use of coastal sage and its relatives in the Artemisia family, known for their connection to deeper sleep and vivid dreams.
• Learning from Plants in Dreams: Plants can appear in dreams to teach us about their uses and benefits, a process that deepens our relationship with them. "Some of my teachers in my community have shared that we learn from the plants in our dreams if we build those relationships and open our minds and hearts," she reflects. This interaction shows that plants can provide lessons and insights, which we can understand better through dreams. This helps us feel more connected to nature.
• Visualization Practices: Leigh promotes the use of visualization techniques that incorporate plant imagery for grounding and calming effects. She shares her personal method of recalling a vivid memory of being in nature, focusing on specific sensory details—the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest—and how this can significantly soothe the mind and spirit.
• Practical Application: She suggests that anyone can use visualization to connect with nature, regardless of their physical location. By picturing a familiar and cherished natural setting, individuals can invoke the calming and grounding effects of being outdoors, which is especially beneficial for those in urban environments or for those who cannot frequently access natural landscapes.

Leigh's observations highlight that plants can deeply impact our mental and emotional health. This influence manifests unconsciously in our dreams and consciously during visualization. Her findings emphasize how plants nourish us both physically and spiritually. Leigh urges us to appreciate our simple yet profound connection with plants. She suggests we go beyond superficially purchasing and using nature, and instead interact with our environment in a mindful and respectful manner.

About Leigh Joseph

Leigh Joseph, also known by her ancestral name Styawat, is a trained ethnobotanist, researcher, activist, and the Indigenous founder of Sḵwálwen, a plant-based skincare company dedicated to sustainable and culturally informed practices. As a mother, wife, daughter, and community leader within the Squamish Nation, she integrates Western scientific methods with the rich teachings from her community to foster deeper connections between people and the natural world. Her work is driven by a passion to heal the intergenerational effects of cultural trauma, protecting collective knowledge and bringing indigenous plants into modern wellness practices.

Website: https://skwalwen.com/

Instagram @skwalwenbotanicals