In my family, it is no secret that I am a plant killer. Even with the best of intentions of cultivating beauty or life, I can expertly kill a plant by way of starvation or letting a house roaming dog consume or urinate on the flora. But mostly it’s my inability to take the time to nurture and take care of those poor plants.
My sister is a little better and can tend a pretty good vegetable garden, but is also an experienced house plant serial killer. My mother on the other hand, is a green thumb goddess. She can raise vegetables and flowers, coax life out of bulbs, and can even tend to notoriously finicky roses.
My other family members are much better at taking the time to give plants the love that they need to thrive. They have the patience to put in the daily work to feed and nurture something that doesn’t give instant gratification. This is a quality that I have to admit, I’m a little jealous of.
This past weekend, I spent a few glorious days visiting my family. Sitting by the fireplace, talking and laughing it up, I did a few simple stretches to help open my hips. I took my time, gave my body the love it needed, and enjoyed the conversation. Before I knew it, I looked down and for the first time noticed that I was incredibly close to a pose that has eluded me for MONTHS. Slowly and gingerly, in front of my family, I finally got into Lotus pose.
I may not in have a green thumb, but nothing filled me with more gratitude and love than to blossom into a little flower in front of my family. The pose didn’t come because I forced it or because I wanted it.
The pose came because I was surrounded by love, encouraged by those who believe in me, and felt nurtured by people closest to me.
It took me a while to realize, but even though I don’t have the exact same skill, I have to same ability to cultivate patience and understanding. And whether I’m a plant killer or not, I am loved enough to grow into any flower.
