Apprenticing with Susun Weed

[Wise Woman]

Apprenticeship with Susun Weed

[Wise Woman]

October, 2007

Dear Susun,

I'm not sure if you remember me, but I apprenticed with you a couple years ago. I just wanted to write you a letter to tell you how much I have grown over the last couple years. I am months away from completing my Bachelor's in Natural Health Sciences and then I will be continuing on to my Natural Health Doctorate.

I have taken many herbal and all natural classes and I have to tell you that I think I learned more in your apprenticeship than anywhere else. All the lessons I learned with you have y stuck with me. You have a phenomenal teaching ability. Your wisdom has resonated within me from the moment I left.

As I gain years of knowledge, I realize that your power and "angry" moments stem from a much deeper knowledge and respect of our heritage than the anger that I have always been accustomed to. I wanted to tell you that I now realize that it is all for the power of the lesson learned, not to cause guilty or unworthy feelings. On that note, I would like to say that the reason I left was because of this misinterpretation. I have always been very sensitive and tend to shut down and not listen any more when I am being yelled at. You forced me to listen and to separate myself from my actions. That was an invaluable lesson to learn so early on in life.

I wanted to thank you for being part of my life, even if briefly. . . . Please accept this letter as my life teacher, the person I still to this day believe taught me more about the universe, plants, and the Goddess within than anyone else I've met so far. I would like to capture my Green Goddess and live as her always. May I resume my studies with you?

In thanks

[Wise Woman]

Greetings Susun!

I wanted to write you an email and let you know it was a gift to be with you this weekend. Exactly what I needed to reconnect with myself, the rocks, the plants, and women of like mind. So, thank you, and I will keep in touch. Have a beautiful, warm, winter.

Love and Peace,

[Wise Woman]

Susun,

I attended one of your wonderful herbal retreats at your home in the Spring. Thank you for the wonderful day...

[Wise Woman]

Hi Susun.

I studied with you for green witch week a few years ago and fondly remember the goats and wonderful food and company. May the goddess grant you many wonderful surprises in the coming new year.

[blossom]

Wow!

I've been so looking forward to my week long Green Goddess Apprenticeship this August (2009). Unfortunately, I have been given very little information on what to expect there except intense lessons in studies of the many parts to the wise woman ways. I have read the outline and get an idea of what will be taught and expected, but little information about other things to expect. After reading the response letter on some detail of what to expect, I had a few other questions.

I know that I can either sleep in the tipi or bring my own tent; I've been told to bring something to sit on; I've been told I will get dirty and work hard. But when I've asked for more elaboration on these questions I've been told by the people who answer my e-mail questions that I must speak to Susun directly during her limited phone accessability. This is very difficult for me as of the time difference and that I'm at work when she is available.

In an e-mail I wrote to the centre (Susun doesnt do e-mail) I asked to whomever would respond, questions such as
1) will there be coffee available in the morning, or should I detox off the stuff before I get there? The response was "I strongly doubt there will be any coffee there".

2)Will there be hot water available for morning tea instead. Response: "I might be able to get some from a live-in apprentice".

3) What sort of something should I bring to sit on?". Susun's response was "what do you think you'll be sitting on?" Well how the heck should I know, that's why I'm asking. All I wanted to know is if I'm supposed to somehow pack a chair, or just bring a mat?" I don't need a response like that. What I'm asking is "do I pack a chair?" I'd like to know if there will be something to lean my back on if I don't bring a chair.

4) Will there be trees to pitch my tent in the shade? "There are plenty of trees for shade", but nothing about where I can set my tent up. Wh

5)"What kind of clothes should I pack?" "depends on how dirty you mind them"

I am travelling from the West Coast of British Columbia and bringing all my belongings in a nap sack, so as much information as possible is necessary. Either I'm completely out of touch with the wise woman experience at this Centre, or I'm supposed to already know the answers. I felt offended as if my questions were stupid. I admit I'm not always the brightest bulb on the string, but I assume that's okay.

What I've read about Susun is that she can be fierce and angry, but not to take it personally.

When I arrive at Woodstock I can take a taxi there, but there will be a work party going on and that there will be a LOT of rules to follow. I "suggested that I will tip-toe and find a quiet place to pitch my tent where it seems obvious that I can do so. Well I got told "absolutely not, there are many rules here and you can't just go off on your own and decide wehere you want to pitch your tent in case I disturb the land that she has worked so hard to develop". I have no idea whether there are places I can do this.

The first time I spoke with her before I registered, she was very open to my questions, but the phone call I received from her this morning regarding my arrival it was very terse and what I perceive as rude. I am wondering if I am way to "sensitive" to enjoy my stay and if this is how we will all be treated.

This email is not intended to be rude, I'm just hoping someone out there who has experience a stay here couldanswer my questions.

[blossom]

Excuse me. Did I sound angry or disrespectful when I wrote my previous message. Well I was angry and perhaps showed it in a disrespectful way. I was definitely in a knee-jerk reaction. I was also bewildered and scared. I feel all alone in this venture and I guess I wanted some reassurance about what will I can expect and what will be expected of me. This was my first lesson: Learn not to be afraid to ask questions and stand up for myself. I have a right to be angry and felt heard. Lesson Number Two: Don't attack others in defence of myself.

This has so touch a memory of my first day of school and being afraid I would do something wrong, and get sent to the principal's office, or asking a "dumb" question and being ridiculed for it. A little projecting for a five year old girl. Apparently, still feel those fears. Lesson Number Three: There are a lot of rules at the Wise Woman Centre and I shouldn't be afraid if I make a mistake. Be confident this is a supportive and nurturing experience in learning, not a philosophy of shaming and anger.

One of my goals from this apprenticeship was to become confident in saying my opinions out loud and defending my beliefs. That little girl's outlook has always kept me in fear. Looks like the growing is finally starting.

On that note, any suggestions for coffee detoxing - I have one week.

[Moonfully Yours]

Hi Blossom,
I've not had the privilege of attending of the apprenticeships or anything with Susun - good for you taking such a step!
I'm a worry wort by nature, and it sounds like you are, too. My advise that I would give myself in anticipation of such an event is to bee self reliant and bring what you would bring if you were going camping. If you bring too much, you'll find out.
So what if you can't have coffee- a detox from it certainly won't kill you. I think I read somewhere that they make big batches of infusions - those help keep you mentally alert! I think that, part of the whole experience (in my opinion) is to really do without the normal creature comforts. And in doing so, you may just find some other lovely connectedness with herbs, women, the earth. Isn't that the point of such an endeavor? To push yourself out of your comfort zone, and learn something new. Just bring yourself and a bright willingness to learn.
Wise women are strong women, and sometimes growing a tough skin can be a bit uncomfortable but you can do it!!!

[petitelune]

Hi Blossom!

Nice to meet you, I will be attending the August Green Goddess week too. I am coming from Manitoba so I know how you feel. And believe me I know what you mean about being afraid of asking the stupid questions. One of my goals for going to the green goddess week is to overcome this too and push myself to grow into being more confident in myself. I'm a pretty big softie But I feel better knowing I am not the only one that is feeling that way!

I was planning on staying in the tipi because I feel bringing a tent will be too much weight to carry with me...I guess it depends on how light I can pack. I am taking a plane to Montreal and busing it to Woodstock. Its a long bus ride... Whats your travelling schedule like? I will be arriving in woodstock the day before it starts, around noon.

One thing that I completely misunderstood from Susun's letter was that it said "We'll pick you up from...." which lead me to believe there was no public transportation or taxis in Woodstock. But then Susun called me at some point and said that she might not be able to pick me up when I arrived or drop me off when I left. I thought I was going to have to WALK to her place with my luggage! But then found out there were cabs... *sigh of relief*

I am not particularly worried about coffee as I only have coffee once in a while. But I also read that the type of food that you eat with Susun provides such deep nourishment that you get plenty of energy to work through long days.

As for something to sit on... I am still racking my brain with that. I was going to look at Mountain equipment Coop if they had some really compact chairs and how much this would cost. Otherwise I may just sit on a blanket or towel if I have to.

Anyways, if you wanna mull this trip over with me maybe we can come up with some ideas.

Otherwise I'll see you there!

[blossom]

Hello Lovely Women

Thank you for your responses. I feel much relief now. Already making friends??? After my initial terror of not knowing what to expect, I fell into this space of accepting that this is part of the WHOLE process and experience and there are no mistakes. Our questions help us learn.

I am very much a wuss and worry wort but I try and make up for it with a sense of humour (some don't appreciate it) and brave face. When I first signed up for this apprenticeship months ago a very big part of it was to challenge myself with some of my big fears - not knowing how to do something and being picked on because of it (obviously some childhood experience) so I was very excited about it. Then recently, reality set in - I will be challenging my fears in less than a week".

So, now I am looking forward to packing and re-packing. My husband has a tent, mattress and sleeping bag that he uses on long hiking trips so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to pack them up with my espresso maker (just kidding!). The whole coffee thing was just trying to wrap my brain around how to prepare for it. I'm not concerned about the energy thing its just the massive headaches I can get when I miss a cup a day. I'm not a heavy coffee drinker, I like a cup with breakfast in the morning. Anyway, I've reduced it to none now so those things shouldn't be a problem.

The whole "chair" thing was a packing dilemna too. I found a folding one at a small outdoors store and have decided to buy it. It's only $23. which seems reasonable, but it is a bit on the heavy side - so we shall see on packing day. I checked out MEC and lots of other stores but they didn't have anything suitable. I think having a small chair to sit on outside my tent for reading my books will be a nice comfort (hmm, sounds like I like comfort). Now, about boots, hmmm.

I will be arriving by bus around 11 a.m. in Woodstock from Albany. If I can leave my pack at the bus station I may just cruise around town a bit. Perhaps we can hook up at the station and take a cab together. That would be great. I'll be the one struggling with the bulging nap sack and Luis Vitton purse (just kidding... again).

[BrynneMorgan]

Hi ladies,

Maybe I can help. I attended Susun's GGW a few years ago. Things might have changed, but probably not that much.

Susun did have a pot of hot water and assorted teas out for breakfast, it wouldn't hurt to bring your own if you wanted something in particular.

I don't live too far from the Center. It has been an unusually cool and wet summer. bring a raincoat, if you have one. And/or an umbrella. you are outside alot.
Sweatshirts or sweater, pants, socks. it still gets pretty warm in the day though, so you'll want shorts and t shirts too.

Along with the wet weather comes alot of bugs. Some sort of bug repellent may be useful.

Bring some "sanitary protection" with you. Even if it's not your time. You have a bunch of women together almost 24/7, and you know if one has her period, soon everyone will!

Bring any medication you use regularly.

Your classes and meals will either be on the back deck, out on the land, or if it is raining in the studio or apprentice house. A chair could be useful in most places, but alot of times you'll be sitting on the ground. If that is uncomfortable for you, a mat may be useful. I didn't bring anything, i was fine.

There are lots of lovely places to set up your tent, don't worry.

Hope this help, let me know if you have more questions.

[blossom]

OMG. Thank you soooo much for your tips Brynne.

I just remembered about rain gear as here in Vancouver we had a very unusual storm yesterday. It thundered and lightening and poured rain for hours. It was fabulous to watch and listen, but the rain was unbelievable. Everyone was caught off guard because there was nothing in the weather forcast for it. I will bring some mucky weather walking shoes, but bringing boots is just too much.

Did you sleep in the tipi or your own tent?

[BrynneMorgan]

I was planning to sleep in the tipi, but i lucked out. someone had come for something and brought a nice new big tent, and decided it wasn't worth the trouble of packing up ...go figure. So I stayed in that. the tipi is sturdy, but a bit musty. Some people stayed in the studio. i don't know if that is still an option.

Oh and try drinking nettle infusion every day until you go, it helped me with the coffee thing. I found it reduced my desire for coffee.

[petitelune]

Ah then I am glad I invested in a small good quality tent. I was going to stay in the tipi but I think I will appreciate my own little space. I think I can still fit my rubber boots, rain coat and rain pants somewhere in there so if we get cold and rainy days I will be prepared. However I am hoping for some nice HOT weather.

Blossom I will message you on facebook a bit later once I have collected my thoughts about this trip. It hasn't really sunken in that I am leaving this saturday.... But I am getting kind of excited about it all which is great because I will need that extra boost of energy to get me there. Travelling drains me rather quickly...

Thanks for you input Brynne It is nice to have an insider's comments.

[blossom]

Hi Brynne

I think I deleted you from my facebook friends accidently, so if you want to add again please do.

I am frantically going over and over in my head everything I need for this trip. Talk about a lot. Weather guessing (hot or rain) is a pain in the arss. I am not positive what time I will be arriving by bus in Woodstock. It may be more like 3 in the afternoon. This is because there is a bus leaving directly from the airport in Albany where I am staying, so I wont have to make a connection. Also I will check and see when they arrive in Saugerties and Kingston too as they are also close. I will see.

Someone lent me a chair that rolls up and when its set out it has a mattress inside which I can also use for sleeping in. I still have to see what fits. I'm panicing a bit too because my Blackberry that I rely on for all my communications is in the shop and might not be ready in time for me to take. If it is ready I will be able to check my e-mail, facebook and phone.

Please let me know how you are doing.