STAYING ALIVE

THE VERDE WORD

When we hear the words 'Staying Alive' what do we think of?  Do we think of the basics of survival, the trials and tribulations of life or perhaps the Bee Gees?  Or do we think of the struggles encountered by all living things in trying to stay alive and in some measure, provide pleasure to us human animals?

Recently I visited my mother. If she were alive today she would be over 100 years old.  Mum is still alive, always will be but although her human remains are scattered in a beautiful garden, and I am able to visit, she will always be alive.  Mum had always been a keen gardener, green thumbs and only pruned foliage when necessary.  As a child I loved the forest feel of our garden as even then, I enjoyed being united with nature. Mum preferred her garden to look more landscaped than the random, wild look I prefer.

As soon as I arrived I saw a particular small plant with tiny blue flowers and felt it was mum’s favourite. Shortly after, I felt mum’s presence and she began telling me about the garden and her favourite, yes, the small plant with tiny blue flowers.  She said that her reason for liking the plant with tiny blue flowers was because she admired its strength and determination to survive and rise above the undergrowth.  The plant had been struggling for ages, but managed to struggle its way to sunlight and rise above the others.

I was thinking that another plant looked a bit odd because it looked out of place but mum said that although the plant that looked out of place, a garden must have variety and consist of different things.  It is this that makes gardens so interesting.  

After visiting and seeing mum, I have been thinking about how important gardens and plants are, not only in the environmental perspective but the personal as well. 

Last night, I was reading a book on tea, tea ceremonies, tea rooms and the Tea Masters of China and Japan and a particular philosophy called Teaism.  Teasim embraces not only the philosophy of Tea but also the practise, ceremonial and the decoration of the tea room, waiting room and entrance through the gardens.

Teaism is associated with Taoism, Zen and Buddhism.  The book tells us how important, besides other things of the importance of looking after plants and flowers.  We have gardens with flowers, succulents, trees and bushes etc. growing in our gardens, local parks and forests. The plants gain sustenance from the elements of sunshine, rain, soil, winds and anything around them.  In the ground, or in pots they live for a very long time.

We use flowers and blooms to display at weddings, funerals, hospitals and for celebrations such as birthdays, Mothers and Fathers day, Valentine’s Day and Christmas or simply for a job well done.  For many reasons we use flowers to help others feel good.

All living things have feelings, although the feelings are not easily measurable by making human comparisons.  

We pick the flowers or plants. The plants are violently removed from their natural home, away from their family and friends, may be treated, abused or used as an inanimate object instead of being revered for the beautiful organistic living thing they are.

Obviously, once flowers and other plants are picked, they do not live long because the dying process commences from the time they are picked.  Having been picked and vased, they only provide pleasure for a short time.  

How do we treat flowers?

We may intend to pick and treat the flower tenderly, but in reality, we cut them off at their feet or rip them out of the ground, tearing their limbs from the body, they bleed, they suffer and the rest of the plant does its best to recover.  Sometimes we use a hot blade or flame to singe the end of the stems, tear off some leaves and the torn limb,  let them sit swimming in a vase of water and the petals being their visage or face wilts, dies and is thrown onto a stinky smelly garbage heap or if lucky, into a compost bin.  In human terms, this is torture.  Not always a pleasant way to end life.

Is this the way us as humanitarians treat other living things?  

If giving a gift of flowers, instead, is it not better to keep the plant whole so it will provide pleasure for a much longer period.  If the plant becomes tired, sick or old  we can water nurture it with water and plant food, or put it outside in the fresh air and sunshine amongst other plants so it may recover for the next time we need flowers, or foliage.

I suggest that the next time you want to give flowers, instead of giving the cut or dismembered bloom, is it not much kinder to give the whole plant in a pot or tub?  This is truly the gift that lasts a very long time indeed.  

Every time the plant is looked upon by the receiptant, the pleasure of the gift and the giver will remain much longer than they would if it were a bunch of cut flowers that live for a very short time and once dead, will be disposed of. 

Ensure you and your gift are remembered.  

Make it a living gift.

VERDE