A few weeks ago one of my big dreams came true. Ever since 2005 when I first went to Breitenbush Hotsprings Retreat in Oregon, I knew I wanted to lead a workshop there. As I flipped though the color catalog with all the well-known facilitators and teachers, I pictured myself featured in the spread.
Fast forward seven years and here I am…not only am I teaching at the Breitenbush Herbal Conference, but I was invited with all expenses paid. Now that’s a dream come true with icing on top!
Here’s more info about the conference: http://www.breitenbushherbalconference.com/index.html
My film crew was there as I taught a room full of nutrition nerds and herbalists! During the 5 hours, I told my personal healing journey, my philosophy, and my mission. I lectured on Creating a Thriving Intestinal Ecology, Fermentation 101, and Recipes for Rebuilding. I demoed How to Set Up A Fermentation Station in Your Own Home – Without Stinking Up the Whole House, Lacto-Fermentation, and Fermentation with Herbs!I reveled in the experience of teaching a 5-hour intensive called: Recipes For Rebuilding: How to Combine the Powers of Live-Cultured Fermented Veggies and Herbal Medicine for Deep Healing
Action packed, I tell ya!!!
I lay in the silent pool that night under the stars. Hot water steaming. Exhausted. Grateful. Satisfied.
On Sunday, I taught a class called Acid-Alkaline Balance: The pH Health Mystery Explained.
After I lectured, 34 people lined up to grab pH papers, plates, and lemon juice. I walked them all through my own method of testing pH to determine how to proceed with cleansing toxins, rebuilding the gut, and boosting alkalinity.
Not everyone can go at the same pace. If your mineral reserves are depleted (from years of coffee, processed foods, sugar addiction, medications, et. cetera) you have to rebuild first before you can cleanse. This is common among my clients. They’ve been cleansing for all these years, but they haven’t actually been building the mineral reserves that allow for their body to ‘contain’ the mineral reserves.
I hope to share all these videos and information with you someday. I condensed 12 hours worth of lectures into a 5 hour slot. And it worked!
I attended other herbalists’ classes and connected with teacher of various herbal medicine schools in the Pacific Northwest like Howie Brownstein, Cascade Anderson Geller, Erico Schleicher, Scott Kloos, and more.
I was totally in my element with all these health and plant geeks at every turn.
This is what some of the participants had to say about the workshops:
Donna Johnson, Accountant – Seattle, WA
“I am a visual and auditory learner & I enjoy being able to experience “you” and listen to your knowledge in person. Thinking of making kraut without listening to tips & tricks would make me nervous to try to making it. However with this class I am more apt to try it home. I hadn't eaten kraut except with a hot dog. Now since your class I have made sure I don't run out of OlyKraut. I love it!”
Julia Vieau, Student – Austin, TX
“I learned a lot in Summer's miso-making workshop. I no longer feel intimidated by the process and I'm excited about trying my own variations. Summer is knowledgeable, prepared and fun. She made sure to answer all of the questions that came up and provided information on where to find all the supplies adn ingredients needed. Great class!”
Sarahann Swain, Student – Seattle, WA
“As always Summer balances science, practicals and wit to convey helpful information. She's approachable, easy to learn from and always prepared.”
Caitlin Caldwell, Farmer – Seattle, WA
“This was an awesome class. I really appreciate you supporting everyone to truly listen to their body in order to create health. I loved learning about pathways of elimination and ways to detox. This topic is so complex and substantial that I feel like it needs more time- but great info for what time we had. Loved your thoughts on sharing food with others! SO important.”
Lori Lively, Editor at Marlene’s – Seattle, WA
“Summer is a natural educator. Her educational background is impressive and she is in full command of her facts. Her casual approach is inviting and the information nothing short of life-saving.”
Sanya Brown, Herb Buyer – Ashland, OR
“Summer is an excellent teacher. I learned much new information that I can take home to use for better health and to share with my customers. I was surprised at the depth of knowledge she has and how good she is at making it all accessible with humor and wisdom.”
Hi Summer, I attended your class at New Season’s Market in Happy Valley in July. I’ve been making and enjoying raw sauerkraut ever since! I believe it helps me lose weight since I don’t have as many food cravings. I’ve lost 15 lbs in 3 months! People I know are interested so I’m teaching them how to do it. One question I have is this: Does Sauerkraut freeze well? I haven’t tried that yet since we eat it so quickly, but wondered if I made a large amount, will it keep well in the freezer? Thanks for sharing your knowledge with others – I’m getting a whole new wardrobe! – MH
Maggie