Journey
I find sanctuary in the spaces between meditative breaths, words on paper, and the flow of rhythmic movement. I share this sanctuary with you through my book BEAUTY BY THE SEASONS: Grow, Gather, and Heal with Wisdom from Our Ancestors, which grew from my time exploring those spaces. The book, a collection of recipes for self-care and intentional beauty, is perfect for this time of (re) evolution.
In addition to expressing my joy of traveling, gardening, fresh herbs and spices, storytelling, apprenticeships, cooking for church revivals, and countless conversations with women in my community, BEAUTY BY THE SEASONS offers nourishing and invigorating recipes using garden-fresh ingredients. The book also includes food passed down from generation to generation in the Southern Black cooking tradition, plant-based medicine, and beauty recipes and rituals. Even if you have never gardened, BEAUTY BY THE SEASONS covers everything you need to know to start growing your own plants.
Along the path of countless decades, the women and men of my rural mountain community have preserved our traditions with each generation, evolving our ancestral beauty rituals to meet the changing times. We have always and will continue to define beauty, wellness, and healing on our own terms.
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Conya Gilmore (@risingrooted) is a Virginia native and the founder of Rising Rooted Yoga & Herbal Apothecary. She is a Spiritual Herbalist, Certified KRI Kundalini Yoga Instructor, Kemetic Yoga Instructor in Healing Racial Trauma & Inner Alchemy, and a writer living in Virginia with her family. For over twenty years, has worked within communities around the world to develop and mentor artisans. She has also worked as a health and wellness advocate and activist for youth and women. Conya is an Army Veteran, graduate of Howard University and completed her Art and Practice of Spiritual Herbalism Apprenticeship from Sacred Vibes Apothecary with Master Herbalist Karen Rose.