A Wildflower Hike for the books!
I enjoyed so many aspects of my wildflower hike. What moved me the most was becoming more familiar with the names and special abilities and behaviors of various the plant life on the hike.
I think there is a different level of respect and awe that comes with knowing what a plant can or won’t do. I believe that knowledge fosters a level of intimacy with nature that is not simply about the perceived increased functional value to us (as humans) but it’s more about a deepened elemental, almost cosmic, connection to the plant itself and the environment you both share. It’s that recognition that you truly are in community with these plants and that you both thrive when you know each and can nuture each other’s growth.
Shout out to “Braiding Sweetgrass” By Robin Wall Kimmerer for making me feel more comfortable with leaning into my innate desire and curiosity to literally be friends with nature around me. My quest to befriend nature is teaching me how to be more authentic and loving to myself and to my human community.😉