Flower wisdom

Here in our back yard creeping myrtle is blooming beautifully as spring comes to blossom out here in Sedona. It is a colorful connection with our home on the Big Lake in Michigan, where the myrtle will also be blooming not too long after we arrive at the beginning of May.

I did not know until I did a little research after photographing, drawing, and spending time communing with Myrtle that is is also called periwinkle. Who knew? (not me)

This is a robust, sturdy, evergreen, tenacious, gracious plant that is often used as a ground cover. A Native American friend of mine suggested I spend some time communing with a flower, listening, and receiving its special wisdom. So I did. I have come to realize, after some experience, that communing with plants, trees, animals, stones, etc. is a good way to develop one's intuition, and hone one's ability to receive wisdom and insights from the soul or the right side of the brain--however you want to think of it.

In a respectful way, to observe carefully, sketch, and then commune(by listening) with any being in nature is to enter into a special kind of relationship with it. Actually, come to think of it, this would probably be a great way to have a special connection with a human too! Frederick Franck, the famous artist, in his classic book "The Zen of Seeing" elaborates on drawing as a special way of connecting. I highly recommend it if you have not yet read it.

The book is full of his evocative sketches as well, and is a delight to the eye as well as the mind and soul.

What, you may be asking, did I learn from my communion with Myrtle?

"Sometimes, you can cover more ground by keeping a low profile."

"Keep spreading out and offering your gifts and beauty wherever you are, however humbly."

"Even if you get stepped on, you can rebound and keep right on blooming."

"You can be greening with life whatever the season."

"If you are really rooted and grounded, you won't be easily uprooted by the storms of life."

Thank you, Myrtle!

Now, why don't you try listening to a flower sometime soon?