Most of you know that I usually post photos that are macro or close ups of plants because I love to marvel at their intimate intricacies and their stunning symmetries.
But today, here is a surprise ! – a photo taken from more of a distance! Heartsease.
This brave little Heartsease happens to be growing out of the side of a barrel next to my front door. One single smiling bloom popping its head up from a mass of healthy leaves.
I was about to zoom in close to her face to do my usual macro but then I sat back on my heels and looked at the context and the bigger picture and had an ‘aha’ moment that I would love to share with you if you have the time.
Organising conference events is intense, stressful and fun all rolled into one! As the event approaches, the intensity increases. Combine all that pressure and excitement in organising botanica2024 with the sadness of losing 2 precious chickens in a terrible wily fox attack…and then experiencing deep distress through witnessing how toxic, unsafe and unhealthy social media can be. It is so easy with a few keyboard taps to create an instant and completely false and deliberately hurtful narrative, especially when there is no perspective or reason.
So back to my little brave Heartsease. Well, I realised that it was just like me – captured in that moment! Still sunny and smiling and clinging on to the side of a barrel – haha.
More importantly, I sat back, and saw the wider picture and noticed those multiple vibrant, nurturing leaves that were supporting her. To me they represented all of the truly remarkable people in my life that were holding me safe, nurturing my heart, actively helping, positively contributing, reminding me of my worth and keeping my chin up! I am blessed.
In the language of flowers, Heartsease means “I’m thinking of you” and over the eventful rollercoaster that was botanica2024, I have been overwhelmed by the number of beautiful, encouraging and loving messages from precious friends and colleagues from around the world saying exactly that: “I’m thinking of you“. To all of you who reached out, you have no idea how much you helped to lighten my heart’s load and I am deeply grateful that you truly see me for who I am.
So, if you too are feeling intensity and overwhelm, it may be an idea to listen to Heartsease: take a step backwards, breathe and accept that maybe, just maybe – there is a bigger and albeit less dramatic picture, and that life is indeed beautiful especially when you are surrounded by a safe circle of lovingkindness.
