The Wisdom of Wildflowers

While I admire an immaculately maintained garden and appreciate a bouquet of perfect peonies, I’ve always been drawn to wildflowers. A field of daisies on the side of the road, a random patch of black-eyed susans by a parking lot, a sunflower grown where someone spit a seed, a single dandelion emerging through a crack in the sidewalk - these accidentally, yet perfectly-placed blossoms always stop me in my tracks. I feel myself relax in the presence of wildflowers, as though for a moment I surrender all my clinging and striving. They fill me with wonder, gratitude, and inspiration. And remind me there’s something greater at work here.

When I find myself getting lost in the minutia of my days, feeling overwhelmed, confused, inadequate, or alone, I try to connect with the wisdom of wildflowers. Without fertilizer, meticulous pruning, or fancy sprinkler systems, wildflowers persist. They weather storms and change with the seasons. They’re bold and assertive. They don’t shrink themselves to fit a mold. They grow through, over, and around obstacles. They’re imperfect, patient, and free. They go with the flow. They’re independent, resilient, and strong, yet flexible. They show up and flourish anyway.

When we seek counseling, we often feel we’re not blooming as we’d like to be. Maybe we’re in pain, and using unhelpful behaviors to soothe ourselves. We may feel stuck and exhausted. Or caught in a trap of self-judgement and comparison, picking ourselves apart for all the ways we don’t add up. Perhaps we feel left out, like we don’t belong. But despite our struggles, we can choose this moment to rise from the ground. We can embrace a new season of change, and let the wildflowers be our guide.

If you’re suffering, know that I see you and I feel you. But know that it’s never too late. You’re not too far off the path. You can grow and prosper in the face of challenges. You can stop trying so hard to be someone you’re not and embrace who you are. You can recognize your unique beauty and experience boundless joy. No matter where you’re planted, you can still thrive.

You weren’t meant to be cultivated in a greenhouse. You’re wise like a wildflower.