Love Shown

The Love we show saves the Love we hide, the way a sprig in sun feeds its unseen root. — Mark Nepo

What we can learn from roots and stems and blooms.

Underneath the surface.

It is easy to forget that the stuff that happens to us underneath the surface of our lives really matters, especially when we are young and invincible. Often, it takes getting sick, really sick, before we pay attention to our experiences and the choices we make. Just as the stems and roots are the life blood of plants, trees and flowers, our stems and roots give us life, too. How we treat our stems and roots, not just our bodies and minds but the connective tissues of our lives, makes a difference to our quality of life. Our experiences matter. Our connections matter. Our choices matter. What happens on the surface of our lives lays bare our roots and stems.

Caring for the stem and root.

Caring for the stem and root is a natural part of staying alive for plants, trees, and flowers. They go to great lengths to find water and sun light. They develop complex roots systems that connect with sources of water. They grow in the direction of the sun. We have to care for our roots and stems in the same urgent way. We have to understand what makes us thrive and grow toward it. We have to nurture our minds and bodies. We have to cultivate connection.

The soil. The root. The stem. The bloom.

Healthy roots and stems make blooming possible. The primary job of a flower is to bloom. I want to suggest, our primary work is to bloom, too. Blooming means identifying and following our passions. Blooming means taking care of our bodies and minds. Blooming means being grateful and kind. Blooming means rigorous honesty, deep listening, relentless forgiving, and careful apologizing when our heart knows that is the way to heal. When we do those things, we bloom.