Life Patterns ~

If we pay attention to the world around us, we will notice similarities in comparison with our daily lives and the offerings of mother nature ~  patterns of growth, seeds of change, seasonal shifts, and the continuous flow within the circle of life. Allowing ourselves to accept the truth, the evident realization that we are one with nature, a tiny spark within the big circle, opens up your eyes to behold the majestic wonders that occur every moment of every day you breathe (as well as those moments before and after you enter the realm of existence).

In March, we planted the seed for this Mammoth Sunflower. We gave her the best spot in the raised bed offering copious amounts of sunshine and sufficient water. Growing into the giant stalk destined to reach the heavens, she finally bloomed. A majestic bloom that made neighbors and unknown passerbys stop and behold her grandeur. She held her prize winning state for a few weeks, and then she began to fade. The droop of her once-sturdy stem no longer lifted her radiance towards the beams of sun. We didn't have the heart to cut her down, so we allowed her to slowly retreat back towards the soil which nourished her from the start. A few days ago, she offered her beautifully patterned seeds as nourishment. Harvested, roasted and consumed with reverence, and a few offspring saved for next year's bloom fest. Full circle.

My hope is the life I lead will mimic this sunflower. Grow strong with my outlook always lifted high, soak up the brightness the world has to offer, feed off the organic goodness prepared by nature, allow my heart to be open and shine, fill my moments with seeds of knowledge, love, kindness, compassion, creativity, and peace. And when I take my final bow, may I find comfort in knowing those I hold dear, as well as those I've passed along my blooming journey, will carry those seeds with them, plant where needed, and renew the circle with a never-ending hope.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]