I was hiding in the cold garage, berating myself for smoking. It’s a naughty habit that I only succumb to in times of immense stress. I was hurling the most vile insults at myself. I felt like I couldn’t breathe as the panic started to hit my chest. The plumes of smoke became too dense to find oxygen.
Even though I’m allergic to the sun, I ran outside unprotected. I needed fresh air to level my head out ASAP. I walked to my dinky garden, which never got finished since I was in the throes of figuring out my blistering skin disease this summer. There were only a few wildflowers that were strong enough to survive complete neglect and clay soil that had never been amended. I couldn’t help but be embarrassed of it. It was another reminder of my failures.
I hung my head low in defeat. A bit of royal purple caught my eye. It was the last remnants of the sugary sweet butterfly bush flowers and lavender. They were releasing a mesmerizing scent. I stopped and picked the mostly dead flowers to enjoy before the freeze.
The scent soothed my angry heart.
As I took deep breaths of nature’s perfume in, the negative self-talk was pushed out.
My mind stopped racing. I was able to feel the warm Fall breeze blowing my freshly cut hair. I noticed how comfortable the river rock wall was beneath my bum. I felt the strong Autumn rays connecting with my born-again virgin skin. I saw my beautiful dog rolling in the green grass to scratch his back, bringing a smile to my lips.
Each time I put my nose in my hands, which were cupping the fragrant blooms, my mood improved. My internal dialogue ceased and nature commanded my full attention.
All I thought about was lavender, honey, green grass, and clear blue skies.
I filled my lungs with the cleanest air.
It felt like Nature was giving me CPR.
I realized that whatever state I’m in, I’m beautiful and whole. I cycle just like plants do.
The nearly rotting flowers were ugly, but their scent made up for their appearance. The end of October is not their time to shine. It’s a time of preparation. The plants know to let their exposed parts die off because they won’t survive the cold, harsh elements. They focus on retaining sugar in their roots to act as an anti-freeze so they can have the energy to withstand the Winter and be ready to bloom in Spring.
Unlike humans, plants trust their instincts. They have observed their environment and know which steps to take. They have patience and resilience. They accept imposed limitations and give it their best shot, no matter what.
Lessons From Nature 