Sunflower Sunshine
Walking in the neighborhood the other day, I notice a neighbor tending his beautiful garden of sunflowers. Several of these golden flowers tower over him, gracefully and gently dipping their heads in the slight breeze, and dropping their seeds upon the ground in early recognition of the coming harvest. Because sunflowers turn their heads toward the sun as they grow, a garden filled with them seems in dynamic motion throughout the day. Such is my experience of my neighbor’s lovely setting.
This is not the first time that sunflowers have caught my attention recently. Their seeds feed the sparrows, finches, robins, and magpies in my yard. Occasionally some valiant seeds begin to sprout up below the bird feeders, at least until the grass is mowed. They grow quickly and for a few brief days tower over the surrounding grass. Perhaps next growing season, they’ll receive a place of their own to grow in, all summer long.
Sunflowers feature a lovely helical arrangement of seeds at their center. The seeds in sunflower seed heads are actually arranged in Fibonacci spirals to assure optimal packing and distribution of the seeds. Nature often builds on the ‘golden section,’ modeling the divine within all aspects of Life.
I notice, too, my involvement with a local neighborhood food co-operative, whose logo is reminiscent of a sunflower. It’s a warm and healing energy to associate with an organization dedicated to bringing healthy food and sustainable practices to our community.
And yesterday, I open the folder containing ideas for blog articles and find a page with a picture and some healing properties about the sunflower. Indeed, I’ve been attracted by sunflowers recently. It’s interesting to read that the sunflower helps to align both the first chakra and our individual feminine and masculine energies. When balanced, these all contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness.
It appears that I’m surrounded by sunflowers as the last of summer days shorten into autumn. I sneak a peek into Ted Andrews’ book “Nature-Speak” to see what shamanistic wisdom he shares about sunflowers. He points out that the way the sunflowers follow the sun during the day is a great reminder for all of us to seek the higher Light in all we do.
That’s an inspiring message to end this entry upon, as we move toward the Equinox and the shift into autumn’s harvest. Let us focus on, and appreciate, that which is filled with Light, Healing, and Life ~ for ourselves, our communities, and beyond. Let us allow the sunny happiness of the sunflower to direct our attention to all the aspects of well-being that are present in our lives right Now. We’ll find blessings beyond count when we do.