"There are Always Flowers for Those Who Chose to See Them"--Matisse

We are at a profound crossroads in the evolution of our species. It is a turning point where we can either choose to walk down a different path by figuring out how to live morecompassiofnately and sustainably, or we can jump like lemmings off the cliff that is the tipping point for our planet and fly headlong into our own extinction. Truthfully, we are probably already past the tipping point, as the recently recorded 100.4 degree F temperature in Siberia indicates. However, even if it is too late to save life on this planet as we know it, that does not mea that we should rush toward the complete demise of inhabitability for our species and other creatures. There is still good work to be done and lives that could flourish for a time.

Like the day lily yearning for the light to open and blossom, I too yearn for a society that sustains life. And even in the darkest times, I take hope that there are flowers and beauty all around us for those who choose to take notice and opt for biophilia instead of necrophilia. ( On his deathbed Eric Fromm turned to his friend Robert Fox and asked why the human race prefers necrophilia to biophilia. Here is a link to Matthew Fox’s post on Chosing the Via Positiva: https://www.eomega.org/article/its-time-to-reclaim-a-spirituality-of-creation).

I know it might seem trite to look at flowers when people are being killed for their skin color and society and the planet are overheating to the boiling point, but I believe it is precisely then that we should remember them. There is a prejudice in the art world against pictures of pretty flowers, but if you can get out of your rational mind and into your imagination and try to experience the world as they do it can shift your priorities as well as fill you with hope. When the rain or darkness comes, the day lily furls in on itself protecting its ability to blossom again. Even if it rains for a week, they don’t forget how to open and keep on living in a healthy way. This in an instinct in all life forms that lack the burden of conscious minds that think they know better than what nature intended.. When i look closely, I can see and feel the life force energy that flowers vibrate.

This instinct to keep on living exists in other lifeforms too. Rhizomes reach for higher ground when the waters rise and fungi seek trees to enter into symbiotic relationships with. Even in death, nature is wise enough to perpetuate itself.. Fungi break down trees to provide organic material for new life. There is an instinct to endure, flourish and regenerate in all living beings except some humans. Yet, plants and people need fresh air and clear water to thrive. The forest knows this, and when in homeostasis it can clean itself and the cycle of life continues as it should, making adaptations when necessary. The harm humans have been causing the planet in recent years it too great, causing the extinction of many innocent plants and animals..

To prevent myself from slipping into apathy and depression, I take heart in the hope embodied by the lowly flower which is not lowly at all but a vessel for this magical life force energy that has created all the best the planet has to offer. Whatever happens after we are gone, something will find a way to live in our place, but I for one would rather leave behind less hostile conditions. We were given a gift when we were born onto this beautiful planet. It is not ours to own and destroy. Rather it is our responsibility to take notice of flowers and all living things and to allow them to live well.

Remember, as Matisse so wisely noted, “There are always flowers for those who choose to see them.” I hope the images I have shared bring hope to you in dark times and remind you not to give up.