Resiliency, Curiosity and Intuition

Earlier this year, our staff joined together and decided to dedicate this year to Resiliency and its many forms. Resiliency, curiosity and intuition are just some of the ways that Brook Golling lived - Elegantly, unapologetically, and with a mostly ever-present smile. Our beloved friend, colleague and one of the cornerstones of our practice at ANM has transformed this time and space. We are personally and professionally looking into resiliency on deeper levels now. Our Dear Brother, Brook, is with us in our hearts and minds. We are so grateful for his care, ever presence and the gentle thread that exists between all of our hearts and his. 

In honor of Brook, we discussed the wonderful ways in which he moved in the clinic; his acute intuition and curiosity with regards to herbs, working with Qi, and his own resiliency practices. 

One of my favorite glimpses of Brook is when he would come into the Medicinary and be present with the tincture herbs; He would stand quietly for however long and listen energetically to what was “drawing him” in. He’d take the herb bottle in his hand and then ask lots of questions. Sometimes he’d go away having more questions than answers only to come back subsequent times asking specifically for information that he couldn’t find through his research. Other times, he would have an immediate insight and straight-away ask for a few ounces to “work with”. The last herb that spoke to him was Turnera diffusa- commonly known as Damiana.¹ 

One of the significant aspects Damiana had for Brook was its balancing properties of yin and yang. He took this tincture into his life with reverence and respect after getting the signals (intuitive and medical) that it was right for him at the time. Over the years, I watched Brook innovate ways to integrate balanced Life Force energy, a major theme in his life, into everything he did. I mention this part because I hope it gives solace and a glimpse into the intuitive magic of Brook’s subtle ways in bringing harmony and healing into his own life. 

Brook embodied the skills of a skier, exploring the realms of self-care and care for others. Through his insight, gentle compassion and service, he used creative, brilliant, intuitive and unconventional ways to facilitate healing, expansion and balance in us. Rest in Qi, Dear Brook.

Best in health,

Alima Matejcek

1. The properties of Damiana are indicated for short-term use in small doses, therefore this powerful herb is best used at the recommendation of your medical provider.