Mindfulness in a Bowl

As you may have noticed, another snapshot of a bowl of flowers.

I think that such bowls will always capture my attention. Pretty things floating, resting on water. Preserved for some time, to be replaced by new ones in new combinations. If i were working in some resort i would love to be in charge of replenishing these. I would then have the choice which among the flowers available around me will go into the receptacles. 

There could be an assortment or with restraint, one or two, which is quite perfect.

To assemble flowers requires mindfulness. What goes out from the hands is in harmony with the head and the heart.

“Mindfulness is like that—it is the miracle which can call back in a flash our dispersed mind and restore it to wholeness so that we can live each minute of life.” _ Thich Nhat Hanh

Living in the Moment

A fringed white flower floated down to our side of the wall from the neighbor's tree as i was setting down a few pots of herbs i had just purchased. I thought to myself that occurrences like this, when flowers get detached from its mother plant and ride on the wind, and then alight where you are -- that is a spiritual thing.

I amuse myself by picking it up and give it a few shakes as if to release the blessings. 

We need not look far to feed our souls. Open your eyes and appreciate what is in your own backyard.

Still Shining

Science has it that the stars we see shining above us may be stars that have long been dead. They continue to light up our otherwise dreary skies. Long gone yet their light remains. 

I chanced upon a handful of little yellow flowers strewn on the sand. They have fallen from their stems, now devoid of life. Yet they still captivate me. Little yellow stars still shining.

May we be the same to those who matter most --- our family.

Life is a Feast

"Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast" -- that's Shakespeare. No wonder spas and other places to rest greet us with bowls of flowers floating on water. They are happy that we have come and are eager to usher us into tranquility.

Going to spas is a treat to one's self. Nurturing our own bodies and treating it special is an affirmation of life, an affirmation that we are valuable. Oftentimes, the validation from others is wanting.  But if you are like me -- i can get that affirmation from feasting my eyes on a bowl of colorful flowers or listening to the happy notes from random birds that happen always on my window sill.

Santan of My Youth

I remember as a kid my playmates and i would extract the pistil (that long needle like thing in the middle of the flower) and sip its sweet nectar. Making like bees. I am glad to find out now that this shrub (also known as the Jungle Flame) is medicinal.

This woody shrub is good as a hedge with its sturdy stems. Very easy maintenance, not sensitive to harsh sunlight and is generous year-round with flowers. Yes, even now that it rains.