Basil's Got Flowers

Basil or St. Joseph's Wort is our commonly used culinary herb known for its distinct sweet smell. But did you know that this plant, the king of herbs, has dainty and very white efflorescence? It carries with it the energy of purity and wisdom according to Hindi floracopeia. 

I am grateful for this plant that makes our dishes taste good, is a source of medicine, and teaches me to open my eyes and raise my level of awareness. 

Mindfulness, connection, integration, wholeness.

Pink Powderpuff

What a resplendent show of the feminine! These flowers scientifically known as the Calliandra surinamensis seem to burst forth in celebration of the soft, girly yet fierce qualities of nature. It does not hold back from expressing oneself. See how it radiates from a center outward in all directions. See how it seems to be illuminated from within, the light travelling to the outer tips like that in fiber optic cables.

And how I want to pick one, just one, to dust my cheek with.

Heart, Mind, Soul

Was in the lobby of a swanky Country Club in the south waiting for my team to show up. Across from where I was seated I caught sight of one of its utility personnel quietly setting flowers on a big round shallow bowl of water in the middle of the table in the reception area. I watched her. 

I felt I was privileged to witness someone in meditation. One by one, mindfully, she drew flowers from a plastic receptacle. She meticulously arranged them in some kind of pattern. Flower by flower. She could have just tossed in a handful and flicked or nudged them around like soldiers on marching orders but she did not. I was there from start to finish, feeling like I have just eavesdropped on a prayer.

In Memoriam

There's a strange spot, a space, a hole in my heart that was once occupied by loved ones no longer around in earthly existence. It is a small piece of me that is missing. More often than not, my brain tends to forget -- it is almost as if it is helping me not to feel the palpable absence of those once present. Yet I cannot not remember. For as soon as I so much as hear a tune, or catch a fragrance, or see a sight we once set our eyes on together, the memories come flooding in. And so instead of plugging it up, I flow with the recollections and honor you all. 

So in honor of you I gather some flowers, set them in a vase, quiet my heart, give thanks, pray, and celebrate your life.

Purple Shamrock

Charmed by this Clover. Its flowers give way to the passion of its purple leaves. It got me thinking about how we need to step back from time to time and allow others to shine, or even grow. We do not have to take center stage all the time. Even John the Baptist once said "He must increase; I must decrease."

This foliage makes for a lovely ground cover or accent plant beside all my greenery. A perfect reminder that it is not all about me.

Fountains of Grace

Early in the morning while waiting for my aero session to begin, I walked around the Barangay Hall grounds and was delighted to spot these fountains, wonderful accents to their rather sparse "gardens". They weren't even turned on but they still evoked nurture, quietude, grace. I was pleased, nonetheless, for I was able to get into a reflective heart posture. 

On the one hand, I exert much effort now in staving off the ageing process through regular exercise, doing what I can, and must, for my physical well-being (there is no Fountain of Youth). And on the other, I always seek to get near the Fountain of Grace, only which can renew and give me fresh perspective.

Simple Joys

Hello October! We are on the verge of ending this year. Already, I want to look back at the year that is about to pass. I do not have to wait till December to take stock while frantically going about all the activities inherent there.

What has given me great pleasures are the most simple ones. Meaningful talks, solitary walks, a day's work, home-brewed tea, the perching of birds on the window sill, and finding beauty in flowers.