Another Natural Progression
I seem to be noticing a lot of examples lately of the cyclical nature of life. It feels like a rather persistent, bordering on relentless, reminder that nothing ever stays the same.
Change is constant.
Yeah, I know. We hear that all the time. And we know it’s a fundamental truth of life.
Nevertheless, a lot of people fear change and try to avoid it at all costs. Even those who are usually exhilarated by change can discover, if they dig deeply enough, that there’s at least a thin layer of fear lurking within – and sometimes an unexpectedly deep well of it. I think it’s tied to the fact that, ultimately, we must surrender to it. We have no choice.
Regardless of how you’re approaching the profound changes that are stalking us individually, as a nation, and as a species, there is at least a little bit of comfort – at least there is for me - in knowing I’m not alone in the midst of it. We may not be able to stop change. And the more we resist it the less control we have over it (which may be precisely what scares us).
But we can help each other find the bright spots. For there’s also something powerful to witnessing change and acknowledging the beauty inherent in every stage – even if that beauty might be considered unconventional to some.
I’m including in this post some photos of peonies I came upon during my walk this evening. I think peonies and dahlias are my favorite flowers. Oh, but then I think of lilacs and lilies of the valley, irises and poppies, dandelions and johnny-jump-ups… Ugh. A myriad of flowers clamor into my consciousness demanding to be claimed as well.
Who am I kidding? Choosing favorite flowers is like choosing favorite animals. Or favorite children. Ha ha. No, seriously. Thinking of each one fills me with delight and an appreciation as unique as they are.
Anyway, this garden had peonies at all stages of life and growth. And each stage represents a dramatic change from the last.
I guess I’m sitting here writing about change tonight because I feel it in the air and, as I mentioned at the beginning, I’ve been seeing it all around me. There’s been too much talk of dropping poll numbers and legal setbacks this week for a certain HWWBK (or E) to allow a long holiday weekend – the unofficial start of summer – to pass by without instigating a huge distraction to upset our lives and those of others around the world.
No matter where we are in the progression, remember: change never stops. We’ll get through this and we’re not alone.
the peonies were abundant at Linwood this weekend!