This morning as I was writing in my journal, I looked up and noticed that an orchid I've had for over two years had sprouted a new vine. My heart lept into my chest. I bought this orchid a few years ago and after a couple of months the blooms fell off and it went into "hibernation." I'd been watering it every week or so for the past couple of years and (when I remembered) spraying it with orchid fertilizer.
I've been determined to get that orchid to bloom again. I could never throw it out, even though it hasn't bloomed it ages. It would be throwing out a living creature and that seems cruel and inconsiderate! So I've faithfully watered and spritzed this plant for years, hoping that one day it would bloom again. Today finally after over two years there is a glimmer that something might happen!
Aren't we like the orchid? We need tending and nourishment in order to thrive. Sometimes we go into hibernation and it seems like nothing is happening on the outside, but on the inside we may be completely transforming.
Most of us have days where we feel like giving up on our goals. They seem too unrealistic and we get discouraged because of the lack of forward movement. When this happens to you, remember the orchid.
It takes a lot of energy for an orchid to bloom and along the way it needs three things:
1) Nourishment: Orchids need water, indirect light and orchid fertilizer in order to bloom. Like the orchid, we also need nourishment in order to blossom. We need to feed ourselves physically with nutritious and wholesome food. We also need to feed ourselves creatively and spiritually in order to truly thrive. Choose activities that truly nourish you, such as going for a walk in nature or seeing a soul-stirring performance.
2) Rest: It takes a lot of energy for orchids to bloom. Humans also need adequate rest in order to perform at our optimum. If we're not getting the rest we need our physical health suffers, and so does our mental health. In times of intense activity, make doubly sure that you're getting adequate rest to support your well-being. And at those times when you're not productive, trust that the period of rest is necessary and nourishing so that you may bloom again.
3) Alone Time: Now you may think I'm crazy saying that orchids need alone time! What I mean is this: if you over-water, give to much sun to or over-fertilize an orchid (or any plant) it will die. Orchids need only a few ounces of water per week, any more and they start to drown. Check in with yourself daily. Are you giving yourself adequate "alone time"? Remember that when we feed ourselves too much "food," be it through activities such as socializing or over-scheduling ourselves, we are in effect drowning ourselves and damaging our ability to thrive.
It is a dance to stay in balance and harmony. You can help yourself achieve that sense of inner balance by following the above tips. How do you nurture yourself? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.
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