“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
-Lady Bird Johnson
Few days back while travelling I stayed in a hotel that was surrounded by lush greenery. In the tropical climate, big trees like neem, peepal, banyan etc. stood tall and beautiful flower beds of seasonal flowers looked picture perfect. They were treat to eyes and had a soothing and calming effect not only on eyes but in mind too. Everything looked magnificent and lively. In the midst of that blooming miniature forestry, I noticed a bare tree, a sky high woody tree without leaves. All its leaves were shed out and without them it appeared bony and drained out among the cluster of greens. Its withered look made it appear even more carcase. But there was one unique thing about that tree. Though it had dried out branches that gave a weary look, the two big red flowers on those barren branches bloomed as deeply marooned as beetroot. They were like companions of that tall structure holding its head high in its lean time. Like true friends the blossoming flowers looked ornamental decorated. Though they were real but like soul mates they were giving a stunning look metaphorically like giving it a confidence that it was not alone. This phenomenon looked so unusual, our mother nature has its own way of expressing its hand holding and being with its being .
There is so much similarity between nature and human behaviour. Like those flowers, in the curves of life one can see a few standing by its side. In the above example in our life leaves are symbolic of a crowd of friends that are present in the virtual world or in the contact list of our mobile, on the contrary only few of them are marked in emergency contacts or true mates. The friends list and followers may appear significant on screen but in reality are absolutely non- significant. They are superficial and cosmetic and conditional, lacking depth and true intent. The long list of friends and followers in the virtual world( social sites) miss out on real connections. They lack the companion or confidante with whom one can pour out heart. Like a pressure cooker, the steam of stress and ruminating thoughts keep on building a whirlwind resulting in the form of any psychosomatic illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, indigestion, ulcers, insomnia etc.). The shed out leaves on the tree are symbolic of all the virtual friends that make you appear desirable and shed out with changing times. But mother nature has its own way of expressing its support and giving strength and hope sustaining life when it is feeling lifeless. The blushing red flower on the tree is symbolic of those comrades that choose to blossom in the rugged terrain of life. The pattern of this relationship is so relatable in our lives also. The countable true buddies saviour and shield you in the descending phases. Their presence and confidence gives hope and strength to emerge as a warrior and not a worrier in the situations that appear persistently threatening and tough. They ground and guide, towards the path of growth and resilience without judging protecting your self- integrity in the dark storms. These friends may not be visible in the times when one is surrounded by all leisure’s of life and in happy zones, but pop up when there are crossroads; the critical times and situations.
Nature explains these peculiar phases/incidents in such an amazing manner, the ebb and flow of life, and the importance of cherishing those precious relationships that endure through adversity. The green leaves have their ornamental beauty; the bosoming maroon flowers have the role of the most precious friend forever that emerge in blooms in the lean times. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to have many superficial connections, but the depth and authenticity of true friendships are what truly sustain us through life’s challenges.
Something to learn and treasure those precious jewels that enhance your beauty and confidence in carrying and exploring oneself towards those new looks and dimensions when you are stuck. Their comforting presence affirms the belief in the phrase “this too shall pass”, the non permanence of everything in life.
“Some people are going to leave, but that’s not the end of your story. That’s the end of their part in your story.”
– Anonymous
Healing Nest 2020 