Dara Merin
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Dara Merin

A little about me…

My journey began in my mid-twenties when I found myself at the dead end of a major health crisis. You could call it an awakening when I finally realized that the Western medical establishment and the so-called “conventional medicine” was not going to help me.

I was incredibly sick and began to seek answers elsewhere as I began to distrust the mainstream system. With nowhere left to turn, I began to see the value in having faith in the so-called “alternative” therapies, especially as my illness improved almost as soon I started to change my habits.

I began to believe in food as medicine, the power of the plants, herbal medicine and a more natural lifestyle. I took a deep dive into studying nutrition from every angle and connecting my lifelong passion for the culinary arts with my burgeoning love of wellness and health.

That was almost two decades ago, and deep into the journey, I am healthier and stronger than ever before. I’ve never looked back.

After years of learning and unlearning and relearning, I now guide and mentor other women on the path to radiance and vitality.

It’s been a long and winding path of aligning my life and soul with what I’ve always known is true in my heart, with deep peace and acceptance of our ancient wisdom and truths and unwavering faith in my wild animal body and it’s ability to heal and thrive intactwith traditional foods cooking, brewing and baking in my kitchen, my feet bare on the earth and hands in the dirt as much as possible, living in the present moment and always learning and growing.

I am so grateful for my life and my work guiding and inspiring other women on the path to a fulfilling, joy-filled existence and radiant health. I’m excited to connect and help you create and nurture your own Radiant Health, your fullest vitality, and deeper connection with nature, plants and all of the elements.

 

Are you interested in working with me? Get started right now by scheduling a complimentary, no-obligation consult call below. We’ll get real, connect, and both find out if it’s a good fit for us to work together!

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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Some fun facts about me…

IT’S BEEN 25 YEARS SINCE I LANDED IN THE BAY AREA OF CALIFORNIA FROM NEW YORK WHERE I GREW UP. OVER THE YEARS I:

  • worked in fine dining restaurant kitchens during and after college and then graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY

  • studied Permaculture and lived and worked amidst a famous Permaculture teaching garden in Point Reyes, CA, while holding title as “Forager” of local foods at a nearby high-end inn and restaurant

  • studied to be a Nutrition Consultant at Bauman College right here in Berkeley, CA where I still live

  • worked at local Bay Area farmer’s markets and watched and participated as the local and sustainable food movement was birthed and the collective passion for local and organic became mainstream

  • did hard work in many years of individual therapy, had so much personal growth in countless transformational workshops like this one, the Hoffman Process, and more, sat in Buddhist meditation retreats, learned NVC and other advanced communication skills, went to the Peruvian jungle (way before that was a cool and popular thing!) to drink ayahuasca and other plant medicines in service to my own spiritual evolution

  • for a decade and a half, taught highly informative and superfun nutritionally-minded cooking classes in my charming home kitchens, in which I shared my passion for nutrient-dense, vital food that merged the magic of herbalism, superfood and raw food nutrition with ethical local, and traditional foods (check out the ancient YELP reviews)

  • created incredible food at lots of small events and retreats and for some very lucky people as a Private Chef 👩‍🍳

  • completed a ICF-certified coach training and become a Human Potential Coach, where Bulletproof butter coffee and the keto diet were touted as the way to having optimal energy, though I luckily realized soon enough that this low-carb was tanking my hormones, and I went back to eating to support and balance my feminine metabolism 🍓🥭🍏 Thankfully, the actual coaching instruction and experience was totally top notch! 🥇

  • become obsessed with learning all things cacao, taught many amazing in-person classes on chocolate making sharing my passion, and wrote a series of posts and recipes for getting started with fulfilling your own “ChocAnanda” (aka Chocolate Bliss) right HERE

  • studied Herbalism through a variety of lenses including TCM, Ayurveda, and folk herbalism through the teachings of many esteemed leaders in the herbal world, including the highly esteemed Nadine Artemis of Living Libations and Kami McBride, and learned so much about how to wildcraft, grow, and practically use herbs and essential oils for healing of all sorts, kitchen nutrition, and botanical body + oral care

  • masterminded with the brilliant visionary Laura Dawn and implemented a months-long microdosing protocol to tune in even more deeply to the healing magic the plants offer us 🍄

  • became *obsessed* with the healing power of breath after reading James Nestor’s fascinating book Breath and diving into learning the science and extensive research behind how to optimally breath with the truly incredible folks behind the Othership Breathing App

  • and SO MUCH MORE — it’s been a rich life!


    I believe there is no healing like the healing we receive from the wild elements, the earth, sky, wind & water…

    Flowers are my love language.. 🌸

    I believe in plant medicine for beauty, medicine, magic and healing… 🌹🌿🍄

    When I’m dancing barefoot on the Earth under the Sky, that is my absolute bliss 👣

    The high mountains call for me, the ocean beckons 🏔

    I love diving into cold, cold wild waters and soaking in natural hot springs 🔥

    I long for quietude, soul-deep friendship, a thriving garden, and to be of service as this
    incredible time in history unfolds for our planet and all of its inhabitants 🙌🏾

    Feel inspired? Let’s schedule your free 30 minute, no-strings-attached
    discovery chat now and chat about the possibility of working together!