blossom, a spring guide to finding purpose

Like bamboo planted in waterlogged soil, unable to grow, sometimes we are placed in environments that postpone or even destroy our potential for growth. Unlike the iris which thrives in these conditions, with rhizomes structures (horizontal underground roots) that can persist and survive flooding. Bamboo, which can grow up to a staggering 35 inches per day, is far more suited for tropical well drained climates that are not too hot or too cold.

Iris represents faith, wisdom and courage, and for good reason, its rhizomes commonly used to make perfume fragrances. The plant has incredible powers of clearing the air, both as we walk around spreading its scent, and by purifying the water surrounding it. Providing a habitat for bee’s, birds and insects, black birds enjoy its bright berries and the insects that it attracts.

Bamboo absorbs a significant amount of carbon from the atmosphere, with a lifespan of around 7 years it can absorb around 2 tonnes of CO2. The equivalent of one and a half people’s car emissions per year according to British averages. Both the iris and bamboo can be considered invasive in certain climates for their ability to thrive and persist in their respective climates. Forcing other species out and consequently restricting biodiversity. Both plants in their own respect have incredible benefits and purpose in certain habitats.

Likewise, people thrive in various conditions, from the top of our nose which evolve to handle various climates with different levels of moisture in the atmosphere. Thin narrow noses designed to handle cold, dry climates, with wider noses equips to handle warm, humid weather. Down to our toes which facilities bipedal locomotion, the ability to push off during walking, the extension and arch of our feet vary depending on the terrain we have evolved within. How and where we store fat, how we handle altitude and the scope of our peripheral vision. All indicators of the climate we originated from showcasing the suitability of our bodies to handle extreme climates of all varieties.

Our bodies adapt to survive across various conditions, as does our mind, yet we forget so innocently, just how incredibly able we are to survive and yes, thrive. So how do we blossom? When we are not bearing flowers nor fruit, it’s easy to assume there is something wrong with our design, we feel a burden on the environment we seemingly pollute with our incapacities and needs. We feel invasive, we’re reminded sometimes of our consequences, what an awful trajectory it is to sit in unsuitable soil. Likewise, persistence is what facilitated the wonderful world we know, plants and animals had to persist through challenges. The glass frog would never had of developed the capacity to send 90% of its blood to its liver then shrink its organs by 2/3. Becoming mostly translucent, if it had no reason to avoid prey. The world we know is as exquisite and mysterious because of challenges it has overcome. So how do we know when it’s time to uproot and move or knuckle down and persist?

In a process referred to as land reclamation, clovers are often introduced to improve soil quality, by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that other plants can use. They sit in a foreign land, perhaps sometimes uncomfortably so, but they serve a greater purpose, and importantly they can still survive and learn to thrive here. Where are you right now? Is it for a greater good, or are you suffering to sustain an image, or artificial “growth”.

Like completing my degree, there have been times I think to myself, this sucks, but there was a greater good to be fulfilled. It has served me in ways I never would have Imagined, I have grown in ways I never predicted. Now with a more stable and grand capacity to handle stress and ask questions or seek information. I am more prepared to handle a wider range of climates and experiences. However,I did not do all of that growing to sit within an area I serve no purpose towards and that is negating from my ability to grow.

So when we inevitably find ourself under the suns gaze burning, or blasted by dry icy winds. We all have to persist through challenges to acquire our full potential, equally we must use discernment to decide when our effort’s are worthwhile or wasted. What am I getting from this? Why did I start this journey? Weighing out the pros and cons and remembering that life was never supposed to be easy nor unnecessarily difficult. We live in funny little carbon suits that get the flu, stomach troubles and cramps. We navigate a terrain that seemingly feels intricately interwoven with our own fabric. Serving our needs against unimaginable odds. In a vast universe that also rejects our existences and serves frequent reminders that it is a miracle we are alive and have made it this far.

How are you going to blossom this spring? Is it a season of digging your roots deep into the soil absorbing the nutrients (maybe studying). Or is it a season of bearing fruits and flowers extending a hand to the community and providing nutrition back to the people. Both perfectly harmonious, but for your sake, don’t waste any more time avoiding the next step. Your fruit, flowers and roots are precious and greatly needed.