Everyday Blooms | Shannyn Caldwell

I’m not sure whether it was the beautiful tattoo on the back of her neck, or that she smelled like all the best essential oils blended together, but I immediately noticed her sitting there in the row in front of us at church.  It wasn’t until she opened her mouth that I realized who she was.  That was years ago, and we’ve since shared the joy (and agony) of birthing book babies together.

Tender, raw and refreshingly unpretentious, she’s a deep well with a fierce heart.

Meet Shannyn…

What’s your story, morning glory?

The “Y” in the middle of my name is appropriate. I have a lot of “why’s”.  If you are naturally curious and love to search for hidden treasure, you and I will be great friends.

I’m the founder of The Healing Season: Holistic. Wellness. Community. People tell me that Healing Season is a lifestyle brand. I can see that. Holistic wellness is a lifestyle. Realizing that the spirit and the body and entirely knit together is a helpful tool to consider and a joyful endeavor to pursue. I pursue it. But to say I’m the founder and primary voice a “Lifestyle” seems just a daunting review when you consider that I cannot find a clean towel in my house right now and my family had apple crisp for dinner.  

My greatest loss/struggle was the loss of both my parents to an F7 tornado. It is a story I unpack completely in my book, The Healing Season: How a Deadly Tornado Wrecked and Reshaped My Faith.

What did you discover about yourself during this time?

I learned that God was far closer than I ever imagined. I got the chance to really see him hold me up.

When I was going through the wreckage where my parent’s house had been, it really was as if God gave me 3D glasses to find items that were special to our family. It was one time in my life I’m sure I heard the voice of the Lord. He spoke Psalm 23: Though I walk through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.

What did you discover about God’s character through this process?

I discovered that He delights in revealing Himself to us and eventually that He delights to save us…but I didn’t learn that right away.

What helped you most practically during this season?

You know…to everything there is a season, yes? I’m naturally a “helper”. I was raised to help. But there are times when you just need to be helped.

I learned that it’s OK to need help. My friends at the time were almost all Jewish and I was blessed to be included in their traditions. They “Sat Shiva” at my house. They came everyday with food and food and more food and just stayed with me. Mostly we just sat and ate and I cried. For days and days.

How has it shaped your passion or clarified your mission today?

God says He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. I’m proof. And I feel compelled to stand in the gap for other “foolish things”.

I became a person who helps other people clear away their tornado debris.

If you could sum up your story in a single sentence, what would it be?

A Deadly Tornado Wrecked and Reshaped My Faith.

What would you say to a woman facing a similar struggle or circumstance?

I would say…you’re not alone. It would be easy to share some platitude about how “your mess will be your message” or “if it’s falling apart, maybe it’s falling together” but the truth is, if it’s falling apart, it’s falling apart and that…stinks.

Here’s the thing: if we have any hope of healing from trauma, we must know that we are not alone…that we are seen, heard. The best part of following Jesus, is that we are never alone. Even after your friends go home for the day, He stays. I would say, take the “Emmanuel Approach”: God. With. Us.

Also, my study as a Nutritionist and Naturopath point me to a truth which is this: You are needed…just as you are. There is not a single nutrient that operates alone in the body. No one is ever deficient in just one nutrient. They work together…always and only. That body of yours is designed by the same designer that created the universe and your community. And so, even though we may be inclined to isolate (I’m an introvert…I get that) or to judge (I’m a sassy-pants…I get that), we cannot expect someone to be what they are not or do what they are not designed to do. We are each different and needed as we are. And we are created for community.

So…step out and be your most authentic self. It’s really good for you and for everyone else, too. We can’t do it alone. We are not made to.

Is there a favorite scripture or quote you’ve clung to?

“Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you don’t see”  Hebrews 11:1

What does the word community mean to you?

When The Healing Season began to grow from a book to an outreach, it quickly became clear that a community was what it was becoming. In truth, community is what The Healing Season has always been. It was a challenge to me, issued at a dinner table, from a friend. I took the challenge not just for me, but for my family (who had a broken-hearted wife/mom at the helm).

At the end of the day, it’s not about us. It’s about Him. When we love and honor each other, we love and honor him. That can only happen when we are free to be honest and authentic. The scary part is that when we are open, we are taking a risk. But we look at the bible and see God set us up for each other. We are set up – designed – to work together and to need each other. From our cells, to our schools, churches and neighborhoods

What are two things you are loving right now?

I’m loving the Korean 10-Step Facial and my giant black dog.

Although if I could pick a #3, it would be elderberry syrup (we just launched a Healing Season (teas) + (tonics) and it’s sooooo yummmm!!!! It’s prototyping now, so look for it at the farmers markets. Until it “officially launches” though, Korean 10-Step gets a spot….cuz YAS, Queens).

Where can we find you online?