Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Herbal Teachers

My dear friend Grace Lefever, is one of my favorite 'elders'.  She doesn't just talk the talk but she walks the walk.  In 1955 she began grinding whole wheat flour in her utility room for friends and neighbors.   These humble beginnings grew into Sonnewald (Pennsylvania Dutch for “Sunny Forest”) Natural Foods  Store.  Located on a 60-acre farm in Stoverstown, 8 miles southwest of York, PA. It may be the oldest existing chemical-free farm and natural food store in Pennsylvania.

At  91 year old, Grace still inspires me with her intensity, energy and love.  She is amazingly knowledgeable (as is her daughter Willa) and wants to share all that she knows.

These are her Simple Health Practices:   
Foster an "attitude of gratitude"
Breathe deeply and exercise regularly
Drink plenty of pure water (without chlorine or fluoride)
Choose food that is locally  grown, chemical free and in season
Add dark leafy greens to your diet
Chew your food thoroughly
Recognize the importance of good digestion, assimilation and elimination
Learn about the acid/alkaline balance of the body.
Develop internal cleansing practices
Use natural personal care products (Don't put anything on your body that you wouldn't put in your mouth)
Create healthy toxin-free environment
Grow in your understanding of commitment to living sustainably
Be at peace with yourself and others
Love all of God's creation.

4 comments:

Deb said...

She is an inspiration. I love her health practices and will copy this to remind myself often. Thank you. Deb (Ontario, Canada)

GardenOfDaisies said...

How wonderful to have such a wise woman as a friend and role model.

Marilyn Miller said...

What good words to live by. I can see why she would be an inspiration and favorite "elder".

Angela McRae said...

She sounds like a wise woman indeed!