Monday Perspectives 8/30 - Flowers

Flowers grow everywhere. They can grow in the arctic, the desert, the dunes of the seaside, in water, in mud, on mountains and even through cracks of concrete or asphalt.

They can be bright, dull, vivid, camouflaged, fragrant, poisonous, edible, large, small, intricate, simple, invasive, common and rare. Some flowers will make you stop in your tracks; inducing awe-inspiring visuals and smells. Others, you may pass every day without even noticing. Depending on the circumstances, some may invoke a sense of comfort, nostalgia or happiness; others may bring about trepidation, annoyance or grief.

Flowers can grow wild. They can be planted in tidy rows, trained and pruned to grow to particular specifications. Flowers can be picked and sold, coveted or tossed aside.

What makes a person gravitate toward certain flowers? Why would someone love sunflowers but detest dandelions? Why would someone prefer a rose instead of a carnation?

Why are certain flowers like Wisteria considered invasive whereas others are welcomed and revered?

I am not really talking about flowers any more. With all of the heaviness of the world around me lately, I have been thinking a lot about these types of parallels. Trying desperately to grasp at something that helps me process the pain, hurt, confusion, disasters, hatred and poignant humanity of the past few years. Not just around me, but world wide. I feel like just as “things” collectively show a shimmer of hope, something more is added on.

As a result, I have been reflecting on who and where I am. I have thought a lot about how I have gotten to be who and where I am today. This inevitably leads me to ponder who and where I aim to be.

In floral terms: what type of soil have I had? What has my environment been like? Have I received too much or too little water? Am I in full bloom or has that passed? Who decides whether I am blooming or not? Am I wild or cultivated? What other flowers have impacted my growth and maturity? Have I positively impacted other flowers or have I hindered their growth? How can I focus on my healthy growing while helping other flowers bloom and encounter better growing conditions? How can I be a better flower?

I just want everyone to have the opportunity to grow. I want to see and celebrate everyone’s blooms. And most importantly, I want everyone to understand that despite seemingly impossible environments, flowers grow everywhere.

Today’s song is by the Lumineers, “Flowers in your Hair”