Picture a medieval herb garden in full bloom: sage and chamomile sway under the sun, and a rustic wooden sculpture watches over the greenery in quiet benediction. This scene isn’t just history – it’s inspiration for modern living. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century Benedictine abbess and herbalist, taught of viriditas, the “greening power” of life, as both a spiritual and physical force. “There is a power in eternity, and it is green!” Hildegard wrote – a poetic affirmation of nature’s vitality permeating our world . Today, for those of us who love intentional living and cozy rituals, Hildegard’s timeless herbal philosophy offers sacred and beautifully livable guidance. By blending her wisdom with contemporary style, we can infuse our homes with wellness, seasonal inspiration, and a touch of monastic elegance.
Let’s explore viriditas and how to bring that greening vitality indoors. From spotlighting chamomile and anise – two of Hildegard’s favorite healing herbs – in home décor, remedies, and recipes, to designing a physic garden (a medicinal herb garden) and even drawing fashion cues from Hildegard’s monastic aesthetics, each section will show you how to create a home that feels both reverently natural and warmly livable. We’ll even sprinkle in a few cozy product ideas (like a lovely tea brewing set from HomeandFashion.love’s Cozy Kitchen collection) to enhance your herbal home rituals. Brew yourself a calming tea and settle in – it’s time to cultivate some medieval wisdom for the modern home.
The Greening Power of Viriditas
Hildegard’s concept of viriditas – Latin for “greenness” or “growth” – is the cornerstone of her philosophy. Viriditas represents the divine “greening power” that animates all life . In Hildegard’s view, nature was a reflection of the sacred, and its vibrant greenness was a healing force for body and soul. She became intimately familiar with this force by tending the monastery’s herbal gardens and caring for the sick in the infirmary . Through decades of ora et labora (prayer and work), Hildegard learned to connect the health of the human body with the living energy of plants.
What does viriditas mean for us today? It’s an invitation to bring green vitality into our daily routines. Think of that rejuvenating feeling when you see new sprouts in spring or inhale the scent of fresh herbs – that’s viriditas at work. Hildegard believed God gave us herbs, spices, and foods to “serve our bodies and keep us not only healthy but full of joy and peace” . In a modern context, embracing viriditas might mean filling our homes with plants, choosing natural remedies, and finding spiritual renewal in gardening and cooking. It’s a holistic mindset that blends wellness with a reverence for nature’s beauty.
Seasonal Inspiration: Viriditas is especially powerful as the seasons turn. In spring and summer, your herb garden is lush and overflowing – a perfect time to gather green goodness. Come autumn, you can feel viriditas in the harvest hues and drying herbs that still carry summer’s vigor. Even in winter, a simple evergreen wreath or a cup of herbal tea can remind you that the greening power will return. By tuning your home to the seasons, you honor the cycle of viriditas year-round. As Hildegard suggested, we too can grow and heal, like a garden, with the help of plants’ natural properties . In the following sections, we’ll delve into practical ways to weave this greening philosophy into your home and lifestyle.
Chamomile & Anise – Ancient Herbs in Modern Life
One of the joys of Hildegard’s herbal wisdom is discovering how old-fashioned herbs can enrich our 21st-century homes. Let’s focus on two of her herbal all-stars: chamomile and anise. Hildegard often praised these plants for their healing virtues – and with a little creativity, we can bring them into our décor, remedies, and kitchen today.
Chamomile: Gentle Gold of the Garden
In Hildegard’s Words: Chamomile was treasured for its soothing, gentle power. She described German chamomile as “like a gentle ointment for painful intestines” and recommended it to ease digestion and even women’s monthly discomfort. This humble daisy-like flower symbolized comfort and relief – a little golden herb capable of brightening both your garden and your mood.
Home Décor: Decorate with chamomile’s charming blooms for a subtle rustic elegance. Fresh chamomile flowers bring a sweet, meadow-like vibe to a tablescape – try placing a handful in a simple ceramic vase or even drying them upside-down in small bundles to hang in your kitchen. Dried chamomile keeps its sunny color and can be woven into wreaths or tucked into potpourri bowls. A dish of dried chamomile and lavender by the bedside not only looks lovely but releases a light herbal fragrance to lull you to sleep.
Herbal Remedy: Chamomile’s best-known use is as a calming tea. Make this your evening ritual: brew a cup of chamomile tea in a beautiful teapot (we love the idea of using an elegant brewing set from HomeandFashion.love’s cozy kitchen line to elevate the experience) and let the day’s worries melt away. Hildegard believed in the greening life force of herbs to bring peace; as you sip chamomile, you’re partaking in that ancient practice of self-care. For a spa-like touch, you can also use cooled chamomile tea as a soothing facial rinse or add a strong brew to your bathwater for a relaxing soak – your bathroom will smell like a summer garden!
Culinary Uses: Beyond tea, chamomile can be a fun culinary herb. Its gentle apple-like flavor pairs well with honey and lemon. Infuse chamomile in honey to drizzle over desserts. You can even bake with chamomile: grind the dried flowers into a powder and add to shortbread cookie dough or cake batter for a delicate floral note. These are subtle ways to ingest chamomile’s goodness.
Helpful Tip – Creating a Calming Tea Ritual: Start a nightly tradition to wind down:
• Set the scene: Light a beeswax candle and put on soft music. Wrap yourself in a cozy linen throw.
• Brew with intention: Scoop loose chamomile flowers into a tea infuser. Using a dedicated tea brewing set (like a dainty glass teapot from the Cozy Kitchen collection) makes this feel special. Pour boiling water and watch the flowers dance – inhale the sweet, apple-like steam.
• Sip & reflect: Enjoy the tea slowly. Perhaps sketch or journal about the day’s “green” moments. Feel the viriditas – that nurturing green energy – calming your nerves.
This simple ritual turns an ordinary cup of tea into a moment of sacred relaxation.
Delicate chamomile blooms floating in a warm cup of tea – a gentle reminder of Hildegard’s belief in nature’s healing greenness.
Anise: Spice of Joy and Vitality
In Hildegard’s Words: What we call anise (whether the star anise spice or its European cousin Pimpinella anisum) was valued by Hildegard for its warming, digestive benefits. She often used fennel, which has a similar sweet-licorice flavor, in her recipes. In fact, Hildegard’s kitchen concoctions included spiced “cookies of joy” and even little cakes made with fennel seed meant to uplift the spirit . Modern herbalists still embrace anise/fennel for settling the stomach and promoting good cheer – truly a culinary viriditas. As one commentary on Hildegard notes, many ingredients she recommended (like fennel for digestion) remain staples in herbal remedies today .
Home Décor: Anise brings a warm, earthy beauty to home styling. The star anise pods, with their natural star shape, are practically design pieces on their own. You can fill a clear glass jar with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and dried citrus peels as a lovely countertop display that doubles as potpourri. Or scatter a few star anise in a decorative dish with dried chamomile and cloves; it creates a centerpiece that whispers cozy vibes. Another idea: make spice garlands or wreaths – using a needle and sturdy thread, string together star anise, bay leaves, and dried orange slices and hang this garland in your kitchen or over a window. Not only does it look rustic-chic, but it will also give off a subtle spicy aroma. (Hildegard, living in a stone abbey, surely appreciated fragrant touches to brighten the space – we can do the same in our homes!)
Herbal Remedy: For centuries, anise has been a go-to remedy for indigestion and colds. After a hearty meal, follow Hildegard’s advice and chew a few anise or fennel seeds, or brew them into a quick tea, to aid digestion and freshen the breath. If you’re feeling congested, try a steam inhalation: add a teaspoon of crushed anise seeds to a bowl of hot water and breathe in herb vapors (carefully) – an old trick to help clear the sinuses.
Culinary Uses: Anise’s sweet licorice taste shines in the kitchen. Channel your inner medieval herbalist by baking a batch of spiced cookies with a pinch of anise (or fennel) seeds – you’ll be carrying on Hildegard’s tradition of “joy biscuits” believed to lift the mood. You can also add star anise when poaching fruit or mulled wine for a depth of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Even your morning coffee or hot chocolate can get a tiny viriditas boost: stir it with a star anise pod for a few seconds to lend a delicate aroma. And don’t forget savory dishes – a dash of ground anise or fennel in carrot soup or roasted carrots creates an unexpected, comforting flavor.
A star anise pod displayed by a floral teacup. This aromatic spice adds visual charm to décor and evokes cozy, spiced flavors – an invitation to slow down and savor the moment.
Embrace Hildegard’s spice-cabinet wisdom in your décor. Here are a few quick ideas to get you started:
• Herb Drying Rack Display: Hang bundles of herbs (chamomile, rosemary, mint) upside down in your kitchen or near a sunny window. As they dry, they become rustic décor. Tie them with twine and a pretty ribbon for a refined touch. Not only will they look artisanal-chic, but you’ll have your own dried herbs on hand for teas and cooking.
• Scented Centerpiece: Fill a wooden bowl or clear vase with a mix of dried chamomile flowers, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and pine cones. This makes a seasonal centerpiece that brings natural color and a gentle fragrance to your dining table or coffee table. Change up the mix in autumn (add nutmeg, dried apple slices) versus spring (lavender, rose buds) to reflect the season.
• Herbal Candles and Sachets: For a quick DIY décor item, press a few dried herb sprigs (like thyme or chamomile) around the sides of a pillar candle (use a little melted wax to make them stick). When the candle burns, the herbs are illuminated decoratively – very cozy on a kitchen counter or mantle. Likewise, sew small sachets from scrap linen and fill them with chamomile, anise seeds, or lavender. Tuck these into drawers, closets, or under your pillow. They lend a quaint, monastic touch and keep linens smelling fresh naturally.
By thoughtfully using herbs like chamomile and anise in these ways, your home will not only look charming and intentional, but will also gently engage the senses – a living reflection of Hildegard’s greening spirit.
Cultivating Your Own Physic Garden Sanctuary
Nothing connects you to Hildegard’s world quite like growing your own herbs. Monasteries of her time kept physic gardens – essentially apothecary gardens – where monks and nuns cultivated medicinal and culinary plants for daily life. A physic garden, originally known as an apothecary garden, grew plants for dyeing, healing, and cooking for the residents of the community . You can create a mini physic garden at home, whether in a backyard plot or a collection of pots on a patio or windowsill. It’s about cultivating an oasis of viriditas – a place where the greening power thrives and heals.
Designing Your Herb Haven: Aim for a blend of practicality and beauty. Hildegard’s garden would have been functional (rows of healing herbs) but also a place of contemplation. You might create a small raised bed in a sunny spot and divide it into sections for different herbs. Or use terra cotta pots and an old wooden bench to group your herbal containers in a charming display. Consider including a little seating area – a bench or a few cushions – so you can sit among your herbs with a cup of tea and a journal, soaking in the green vibes.
Herbs to Grow (Hildegard’s Favorites): Start with easy, multi-purpose herbs that Hildegard mentioned often:
• Chamomile: of course, for teas and gentle remedies. It’s an annual that self-seeds; its cheerful white-and-gold flowers will beckon you each morning.
• Fennel: a tall, feathery plant (related to anise) that Hildegard adored for digestion and joy. Fennel will give you feathery fronds for salads, seeds for spice, and it attracts butterflies too!
• Mint (Spearmint or Lemon Balm): she used “stream mint” in recipes . Mint is hardy and wonderful for teas, plus it adds a lush green carpet to your garden patch.
• Sage & Rosemary: common in monastery gardens, for cooking and also as sacred smudging or fragrance. Sage was even used in medieval times as a hand rinse (boiled with other herbs) for its cleansing properties .
• Anise Hyssop or Basil: for a pop of color and because bees love them (a nod to Hildegard’s love of natural images like bees and honey). Basil’s sweet scent and anise hyssop’s purple flowers will make your garden a fragrant paradise.
• Calendula or Marigold: bright orange flowers known as “pot marigold” were used as medicinal blooms. They provide color and can be used in salves or to dye fabrics a golden hue – tying into that holistic medieval lifestyle.
Gardening with Intention: As you plant and tend your physic garden, do it mindfully. Hildegard saw gardening as an extension of both work and prayer – a meditation with hands in the soil. You might water your herbs each morning while quietly setting an intention (e.g., “May these plants bring health to my home”). Weed the beds in the evening as a way to unwind from digital life, reconnecting with earth. Notice the miracle of new leaves, the aroma each herb releases when you brush against it. This isn’t just outdoor chore time; it’s cultivating wellness. Modern studies affirm what Hildegard intuitively knew: time in the garden can reduce stress and improve well-being. It’s no wonder she wrote about humans growing and healing like plants under the sun .
A Physic Garden in Any Space: Don’t worry if you lack a yard – container gardens can be just as rewarding. A sunny windowsill can host pots of thyme, chamomile, and mint. A balcony can hold a half-barrel planter with taller herbs like fennel surrounded by creeping lemon thyme. Even indoors, a few potted herbs by a bright window (try rosemary or basil inside) will add a touch of green life to your decor. Remember, the goal is to invite viriditas into your home, however you can. A single thriving potted herb can be a focal point of green, a conversation piece, and a handy source of seasoning or tea.
Helpful Tip – Labeling & Styling Your Garden: To give your physic garden that Home and Fashion flair, make attractive labels for your plants. Use wooden or slate markers handwritten with each herb’s name (perhaps add Hildegard-inspired nicknames like “Joy-Bringer” under fennel!). You can also place an outdoor lantern or two among the plants, to light up your herb patch at night – imagine the warm glow on your chamomile blooms during a summer evening, creating a near-mystical ambiance. If you have statues or garden art that evoke a spiritual vibe (a saint, an angel, or abstract sculptures), consider positioning one amidst the herbs as a centerpiece – just as you might find a statue of a saint in a monastery garden. This blends form and function: your garden sustains your kitchen and soul, and also looks like a storybook sanctuary.
By growing a physic garden, you’re not just decorating – you’re living Hildegard’s philosophy. Every sprout and leaf connects your modern home to an age-old tradition of holistic living. Your garden becomes a source of kitchen ingredients, herbal remedies, natural dyes, and personal solace all at once. Talk about intentional living!
Herbal Kitchen & Cozy Rituals
For Hildegard, the kitchen would have been a place where healing and nourishment intertwined. We can mirror that in our own kitchens, turning everyday tasks into cozy rituals steeped in natural wisdom. This is where HomeandFashion.love’s Cozy Kitchen collection fits in perfectly – beautiful, functional items that support your herbal lifestyle and make simple moments feel special. Let’s explore a few ways to transform your kitchen and daily routine into a Hildegard-inspired haven.
The Tea Ritual Centerpiece: If you do nothing else, create a dedicated corner for your tea and herb ritual. Clear a section of your countertop or a shelf to display your favorite teas, herbs, and a lovely tea set. Consider a tea brewing set from the Cozy Kitchen collection as the star of this station – for example, a sleek glass teapot with an infuser or a rustic ceramic teapot that feels like it came from a cottage kitchen. Arrange jars of chamomile, dried mint, and a jar of local honey on a wooden tray. Add a little potted plant or a vase of dried flowers (maybe those chamomile blooms again!) to bring life to the vignette. This corner isn’t just storage; it’s an invitation. Each time you see it, you’ll be reminded to pause and brew a calming cup. Morning tea to energize, afternoon tea to refocus, and evening tea to unwind – your whole day gains a gentle rhythm.
Cozy Cooking with Herbs: Embrace cooking as a sacred act. Hildegard was known to concoct everything from herbal medicines to spelt breads in her medieval kitchen . In your kitchen, you might set aside one evening a week to try a new herbal recipe. For instance, make a loaf of bread and knead in chopped rosemary from your garden, or bake those spiced cookies with anise we mentioned earlier. While you cook, wear a beautiful apron that makes you feel grounded and graceful – perhaps a simple hand-made linen apron in an earthy hue (the kind available on HomeandFashion.love) to channel that monastic work ethic in style. Imagine stirring a pot of soup with chamomile and sage (yes, chamomile is edible!) for a subtle twist, or blending a pesto with parsley and mint. These little additions infuse your food with extra nutrition and a story – you’ll love telling dinner guests, “This salad is sprinkled with calendula petals I grew myself,” or “The tea you’re enjoying is an old Hildegard recipe for joy.”
Kitchen and Ambiance: To keep the sacred cozy vibe, decorate your kitchen with items that are both functional and meaningful. Hang a small chalkboard or print with an inspiring quote from Hildegard – for example, “All of creation is a song of praise to God.” Or perhaps her famous line about viriditas, reminding you that the green force is all around. Use natural materials as much as possible: wooden cutting boards on display, a stone mortar and pestle at the ready (grinding your own spices is very much in Hildegard’s spirit, plus the mortar looks great on the counter). Keep textiles like dish towels in soft greens or warm neutrals; consider sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or linen which echo the simple weaves of medieval times. A homespun linen tablecloth or a set of napkins dyed with herbal dyes (try tie-dyeing with turmeric for yellow or hibiscus for pale pink) can add an artisanal touch to meals – and yes, Hildegard’s nuns likely dyed fabrics with plants from their garden too .
Ritualize the Everyday: The key to blending sacred and livable is to ritualize simple actions. Make a little ceremony out of grinding spices for your coffee. Light a candle on the kitchen windowsill each evening as you start dinner prep, saying a small thankful prayer or intention (Hildegard might approve, as she often combined spirituality with daily work ). When you wipe down your counters, use a homemade cleansing spray with vinegar and rosemary oil – it cleanses physically and leaves a spiritual, refreshing scent in the air. Keep a journal or sketchpad in the kitchen drawer; while you wait for bread to bake or tea to steep, jot down a thought or sketch the herbs on your counter. These micro-rituals turn “chores” into cherished routines. Over time, your kitchen becomes not just a place to cook, but a sanctuary of health and heart.
Inviting Family & Friends: Hildegard was a community woman – she corresponded with nobles, advised others, and even invented recipes to bring joy to those around her (like those “Cookies of Joy” to cure sadness!) . In that spirit, share your herbal lifestyle with loved ones. Host a small gathering where you teach friends to make a simple herbal salve or a calming tea blend. Or have a “green dinner party” where every dish features a herb from your garden – it could be as simple as basil bruschetta, lemon balm sorbet, and chamomile iced tea. Decorate the table with potted herbs as centerpieces and give each guest a sprig of rosemary tied at their napkin (rosemary signifies remembrance and friendship). By incorporating others into your rituals, you amplify the joy and create a sense of intentional community.
Monastic Chic – Sustainable Style Inspired by the Cloister
Hildegard’s influence doesn’t stop at the garden or kitchen door – it even extends to how we dress and adorn ourselves. While she and her fellow nuns wore humble habits, there is a rich aesthetic to be drawn from monastic life: simplicity, durability, and harmony with nature. “Monastic chic” in a modern home context means choosing sustainable fashion and décor elements that echo the timeless, unadorned beauty of the cloister, while still feeling elegant.
Earthy Fabrics & Natural Textures: Embrace materials that come from the earth. Linen, cotton, wool, and jute – these would have been familiar in Hildegard’s time and remain classics today. Consider linen slipcovers for your couch pillows in soft olive green or undyed beige, reminiscent of monastic robes. A chunky wool throw blanket on your reading chair adds both warmth and that handmade feel (bonus if it’s hand-knit or fair trade). In your wardrobe, opt for a few pieces that are both stylish and sustainable: a flowing linen tunic or dress in a neutral tone, a pair of organic cotton lounge pants, or a cozy shawl. The idea is a capsule wardrobe of quality pieces that mix and match, rather than a closet overflowing with fast fashion. The beauty of this approach is not just environmental – it also simplifies life. Monastics had a limited, functional wardrobe; copying this in a mindful way can reduce decision fatigue and bring a sense of calm to your mornings.
Minimalist Elegance: Monastic interiors were sparse but serene. Take a cue by decluttering and selecting decor that serves a purpose or truly brings you joy. Instead of lots of plastic or synthetic décor items, choose a few statement pieces made of wood, stone, or ceramic. For example, a reclaimed wood stool can serve as a plant stand, or a ceramic pitcher can double as a vase for fresh greenery. Sustainable style also means repurposing and upcycling: turn old glass jars into candle holders (wrap them in twine for a rustic look), or refinish a thrifted wooden dining table rather than buying new. The patina of age and slight imperfections can actually enhance the sacred, lived-in atmosphere – much like the weathered stones of an old abbey.
Monastic Palette: Hildegard’s world was filled with the colors of nature: the whites and greens of the garden, the earthy browns of abbey floors, the illuminated jewel tones of her manuscripts. You can reflect this palette at home. Stick to neutral and natural colors for larger surfaces (walls, furniture) – think ivory, clay, sage green, soft grey. Then add pops of color inspired by illuminated manuscripts or stained glass windows: perhaps a deep blue cushion (evoking the lapis lazuli sky in medieval art) or an amethyst purple table runner for seasonal feasts. These touches keep the aesthetic timeless yet rich. In fashion, your color choices can similarly mirror nature: the robe-like dress in moss green, the cozy cardigan in oatmeal beige, etc., accented by a scarf in sunset orange or a piece of jewelry with a turquoise stone. It’s all about balance – austere meets artful.
Ethical and Handmade Touches: Hildegard’s community prized craftsmanship – whether writing manuscripts, brewing medicines, or gardening, everything was done with care. Incorporate handmade elements to celebrate that spirit. Support local artisans or try your hand at DIY for decor. A hand-thrown pottery mug for your chamomile tea, a woven wall hanging made of organic fibers, or hand-dipped beeswax candles on your mantle all add soul to your space. These items often have smaller ecological footprints and tell a story. Similarly, look for ethical fashion pieces: a bag made from reclaimed fabric, shoes from a brand that ensures fair labor and eco-friendly materials, or jewelry crafted from recycled metals. Knowing the story and values behind your possessions adds depth to your connection with them. It transforms a dress or a table or a tote bag from just another purchase into a statement of values and continuity with ages past.
Inspired by Hildegard – Personal Adornment: While Hildegard lived simply, she also celebrated beauty in creation. She famously had visions of cosmic, mandala-like forms and composed soaring music – she appreciated splendor in a sacred context. Don’t be afraid to adorn yourself in ways that feel meaningful. Maybe wear a pendant with a green gem (symbolizing that greening power) or a small cross if it resonates spiritually. A crown braid in your hair or a simple knit headband can hark back to medieval styles while still looking chic (and keeping your hair back while you work with herbs!). If you enjoy scent, choose natural oils or solid perfumes with herbal notes – a dab of frankincense or lavender oil can become your daily “anointing” that centers you (and avoids the chemicals of conventional perfumes). These little choices in self-presentation can make you feel like a modern abbess in her element – confident, grounded, and glowing with purpose.
Helpful Tip – Capsule Wardrobe the Hildegard Way: Try curating a seasonal capsule wardrobe inspired by viriditas. For spring, pick a palette of fresh greens, soft creams, and maybe touches of floral prints. Include versatile pieces: a linen tunic, green knit cardigan, beige trousers, a flowy skirt. For summer, focus on whites, light grays, and herbal blues (think lavender or chamomile blossoms for color inspo) with breathable fabrics. Autumn could bring in richer browns, burnt oranges, and mossy greens – perhaps a poncho or cloak-style coat reminiscent of medieval wraps. Winter might lean on layered woolens in deep earthy tones and the soft glow of white (like snow on monastery stone). By rotating a few mindful pieces each season, you not only simplify your life but also embody the seasons in your style, much as your home and garden do. This harmonious approach to dressing is the essence of merging lifestyle with values – you’re literally wearing your principles on your sleeve!
Timeless Wisdom, Modern Home
Bringing Hildegard of Bingen’s herbal philosophy and lifestyle into our homes is more than a design trend – it’s a reconnection to something essential. In a world that often feels rushed and high-tech, the ancient rhythm of growing a garden, brewing herbs, and adorning our living spaces with natural beauty is profoundly healing. Hildegard’s concept of viriditas encourages us to see our homes as living, breathing extensions of the natural world – places where greenness thrives in our houseplants and garden beds, where the food and teas we prepare carry the vitality of the earth, and where even our décor and clothing honor the materials and colors of creation.
By blending the sacred and the livable, we cultivate an environment that nourishes body and soul. The intentional choices – sipping chamomile tea from a thoughtfully curated tea set, lighting a candle and saying a quiet prayer as dusk falls, dressing in garments that respect the earth – all of these create a ripple effect of calm and joy in daily life. Our homes become sanctuaries reminiscent of those medieval cloisters: not stark or severe, but alive with warmth, learning, creativity, and comfort.
Finally, remember that this is a journey of seasonal living and continuous learning. You might start in spring with a few potted herbs and find by summer you’re drying bouquets of chamomile. By autumn, maybe you’re experimenting with Hildegard’s spiced cookie recipe and gifting jars of herbal salt to friends. Come winter, you’re curled up in your cozy corner, wrapped in a wool blanket, journaling reflections by the light of the fireplace, dreaming of new plantings for next year. In this way, the cycle of seasons and the flow of viriditas keep enriching your lifestyle – it never grows old because nature is always bringing forth something new.
Intentional living inspired by Hildegard is not about reenacting the 12th century exactly, but about infusing our modern lives with perennial wisdom. As historian Dr. Victoria Sweet observed, many aspects of how we live today – our homes, our gardens, our approach to food and health – have deep medieval roots . By consciously tapping into those roots, we nurture a life that is both timely and timeless. We become, in a sense, gardeners of our own well-being and beauty, tending the soil of our homes and habits so that the divine green spark can flourish within and around us.
So brew your tea, snip holy herbs, sing while you cook, and dress with intention. Your home, like Hildegard’s abbey, can be a place where the mundane meets the mystical in everyday rituals. Embrace viriditas – that greening life-force – and watch as your world becomes a little more vibrant, season by season. In the words of Hildegard von Bingen: “Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings… Now, think.” Let that thought guide you to create a home and life that truly bloom with sacred vitality and style.
улган (Enjoy the greening journey!)