I was in the woods this week end and discovered that I might crave lichen. (Artistically, I occasionally portray a character from parallel civilization under the ocean. The tribe lives in symbiotic harmony with their ecology – “biocentric” perhaps would fit.)

During a sauna here I decided this was a beautiful atmosphere for a photographic visit of my character. She is closely connected to the prehistoric connections upon which our earth was created.

I gave my phone camera to my friend and decided to climb up on this log pile.  I had not determined what the metamorphosis would be — sometimes I predetermine this.

While curled up on this pile I began to extract the nutrients from this log pile. I was her recharging here. She was suffering from stress and missing her loved ones.  To keep going at this difficult time in the winter on the earth’s surface the warm sauna was food. She needed to find nourishment growing in and on the logs.

[The  journeys I create with her reflect me so this may help me underline my a nutrient needs. ]

That night I made a consistent effort to staying over in a treehouse. Despite everyone discouraging me.. dangerous, slippery steps, cold etc.  I thrilled to be in the treehouse finally — cold moist air, red nose and warm body.

This character I conjured up, extracted just enough phyto nutrition from the dry sauna logs and the treehouse atmosphere was revitalizing for me — I need more of that.

What was this need?  It feels nutritional. Why did I go out of my way to make that freezing over night stay possible and warm?  Extreme lack of tree air in my urban life? Yes. and possibly that green stuff that grows on moist logs in the forest.

What can we eat that grows on trees and logs.  Fungus and Lichen.

http://www.tricycle.com/gardening/old-mans-beard (addition 12-27-2013) I found this writing about Lichen but to read it you have to join.

That lead me to phytonurtrients and Chlorella:  notes from search:

Chlorella provides the highest source of chlorophyll

Chlorella is composed of a fibrous, indigestible outer shell (20%) and of its inner powerful nutrients (80%). This fibrous material has been shown to detoxify the system through binding to toxic factors such as persistent hydrocarbons; heavy metals (e.g., mercury, cadmium, copper, lead); pesticides and insecticides; carcinogens such as PCBs, DDT or keystone, and chemicals.

Chlorella is a fresh water, single-celled algae that grows in fresh water. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, “chloros” meaning green and “ella” meaning small. In fact that chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant.

The algae, which is a popular food supplement in Asia and has been used as energy-producing food for centuries,

Chlorella is now used as an adjunct supplement during radiation treatment for cancer. Its abundance of chlorophyll is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation.

It is a nutrient-dense superfood that contains 60% protein, 18 amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and various vitamins and minerals. One of its unique properties is a phytonutrient called CGF.

Chlorella provides all of the dietary-essential amino acids in excellent ratios. It is also a reliable source of essential fatty acids that are required for many important biochemical functions, including hormone balance. More than 20 vitamins and minerals are found in chlorella, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, B1, B2, B2, B5, B6, B12, E and K, biotin, inositol, folic acid, plus vitamins C, E and K.

(Although unlikely, chlorella may cause allergic reactions such as breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest, chest pain, skin hives, nausea, diarrhea or stomach cramps, rash, or itchy or swollen skin and heightened sensitivity to the sun. In the event of these occurring stop taking the capsules. As with all allergic reactions, it is always prudent to seek medical advice from your doctor.)

There is a lot more to read online but we have the jist.