Mark Nepo writes: “It helps to remember how, in a field with no one watching, the smallest wildflower reaches its tiny root into a dark it doesn’t know and at the same time opens itself to a light it feels but can’t yet see. And while the flower has no choice to commit to this natural process, we as humans have a choice. Unless rooting and opening, unless listening to what is near but beyond us, we will forgo the soul’s birthright to blossom.”
I love the idea that there is darkness the flower doesn’t know. That darkness could be any of the obstacles we are encountering now. I love that the darkness Nepo is referring to is really the fertile soil in which all plants grow.
I understand this as an invitation to be fully present no matter what is going on, even if you don’t understand it, even if it doesn’t make sense, even if it feels unfair. Be willing to be where you are. You are equipped to grow and blossom. Emerson reminds us: “Even in the muck and mire of things, something sings.”
I recently had a conversation with someone who is going through a major health challenge and at the same time faces the possibility of losing their home, and is in pain from an infection.
Learning from the flower’s innate wisdom, we are reminded to be completely wherever we are; to stretch down into the unknown darkness.
At the same time, we are encouraged to open to the light we cannot yet see. We are reminded that we can feel the light before we can see it.
This seems to be the reason for spiritual practice, the reason to consistently and consciously stop the chatter and listen to the silence. Meditation can give us the strength and confidence to know that this too shall pass.
I wonder why I felt so moved by this passage.
Then it struck me: I identify with the small child, the fragile flower, the struggling artist, all alone, all by herself, shivering in a cold dark world.
I loved to cheer for the underdog when I was interested in watching sports. (My home team was often the underdog!)
Now, I do think that empathizing with the smaller, more vulnerable beings in our society is a very good thing. But identifying with the small and weak could be a spiritual mistake.
Who I am as a spiritual being is powerful beyond measure, infinite and beyond containment or description!
Not only do I have the capability to transcend any circumstance, but also I have the ability to create brand new experiences because the creative process in me knows no limits. At this moment, I am called to rise up into my real self, to let my mighty light shine. I am also humbled to remember that it is “the father within that does the work.” One with Source, I treasure the tiny flower of Mark Nepo’s description and remember that I am not only that tiny flower, but I am also the entire field of flowers!
