Daily Cascade

On Flowers and Roots

Prompt: flowers and roots
"The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth"
D. H. LAWRENCE
What do you think of roots and their effects on the loveliness of flowers?

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Well, who doesn't like flowers! Unless you're allergic to them, of course. Otherwise, most of us admire them, their colors, different textures, their smell, and how they stand on a bush.

So, a flower wins kudos due to its outward beauty and its ability to inspire awe and wonder. On the other hand, its very existence, its strength, is dependent on its connection to earth. A flower, therefore, is one of the fairest things in nature, but its beauty is totally linked to its humbler origins. And so it is with us, people.

Similar to flowers, our own moments when we shine, our achievements, our outward or inward joys and successes, are not due to some sudden magic. They are the blossoms and brief signs of a deeper, less visible background. When we understand this truth about ourselves, we feel freed from the pressure of always appearing or being flawless. This is because vulnerability, struggle, and our quiet work of growth are our roots. When we know or acknowledge our roots, that is our values, resilience, relationships, and dedication to learning and growth, we create a fertile ground for our unique flowers to bloom.

Even in our most intimate relationships and most radiant expressions of love, our roots are in action. The effortless understanding between long-married couples--which I can attest to for having been married for 54 years, until he passed away-- the unwavering support offered to me without me asking for it, the effortless tears and laughter I've shared with my friends, all these were not born of magic. They were cultivated in the soil of our shared experiences, weathered storms, and countless acts of forgiveness, kindness, and mutual understanding. All these. together with commitment, trust, and acceptance have allowed love and friendships to blossom through the seasons of my long life.

Similarly, because of my roots, which mostly were built by family, life, or my own struggles, I marvel at my good chance to have been born and at my friends and family members for all the sparkle and colorful beauty as if all our delicate petals are unfurling.