The Power of Flowers
Current Mood Music: Samantha Sang, “Emotion”
I have always regarded flowers for their healing properties. They are a hug when you need comfort most. The shoulder to cry on when nobody else is around. A gentle kiss from a sweetheart from afar. They are a visual reminder that you are loved. Not to mention the medicinal properties that flowers provide—chamomile for anxiety and relaxation, echinacea for cold and flu, feverfew for fever (!) and migraines, calendula for burns and wounds, nasturtium for its antibacterial properties, lavender for relaxation, just to name a few. I intently plant these medicinal flowers and herbs for my “witch garden” because of their power to heal, and I encourage anyone who has the space to do it, too (plus they look fantastic in bouquets).
A few years ago my brother passed away in a tragic accident. I will spare the details, but I spent several weeks at my parents’ house with our family during that time as we tried to get through the loss and our pain together. When I came back to my apartment after being away for some time, I was greeted by several vases full of bouquets from friends who had them delivered upon my return. I was immediately brought to tears. The encouraging and sweet messages that accompanied the gorgeous flower displays made me feel loved when I so desperately needed it most.
I turned to a bouquet of flowers that I had purchased for myself at a market after a bad breakup many years ago, as a reminder of my strength and to help heal a broken heart.
My family’s rose garden was a form of self-care and therapy for my parents who always included us in learning all about what they were growing and what gardening was all about. It is one of my favorite pastimes from my childhood.
After spending over a year in lockdown, I learned that my garden and growing flowers helped bring the joy, hope, and comfort that I needed to help ease my stress, anxiety, loneliness, and fear that was triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
And now we grow flowers not just for ourselves, but to spread joy and kindness to others.