It’s early morning and already hot and hazy out so I exchanged my morning walk for yogic surya namaskars and then a cup of chai to help awaken my soul. As I read, I came across a question; it asked, nature or nurture? I thought for a moment.
Every Sunday, I nourish my plants and along with water, I give them some love. Before I began this ritual this morning, I sat and admired them. They have grown, they’re finally thriving in this environment, in my home. Each one is now lush in lavishing shades of green. I remembered back to when I purchased this one and when I stole that cutting and now with some tender loving care, they have become rooted and mature.
My love for plants started very young, my mother would get annoyed because my plants took up so much room in our little house. I was very sad to leave them behind, but my nurturing nature has allowed me to do just that in every stage of my life. I would buy the almost dead plants on clearance and then I would bring them back to life. I’d exchange some positivity and watch the vibrancy emerging and life coming back to them. My garden became my sanctuary. It was made up of herbs, flowers, fruits and trees and over the years, it eventually became a beautiful sight. I would admire my work with pride, the patience I had acquired and the fondness for helping something grow is the qualities I took away.
I raised my children this way, fueling them with affection and fostering a positive caring mother for them. I encouraged each one individually, showing them compassion and stimulating their strengths, never neglecting or hindering their growth. Today I am proud of who I raised, it was my most prized role. I have nurtured my dogs this same way, allowed myself to be available for their every need with compassion and kindness. Made meals for them and talked to them, because they can feel and hear and sense love.
Today as I watched my 3 year old orchid bloom again, I couldn’t help but smile. At one point, I didn’t know if it would ever bloom again, but I gave it time and I never gave up on it. I nurtured it even when it looked sad and unattractive. Today it sits high perched above the rest of the foliage in all its beauty, blossoming like a new bride.
Nurturing something is gratifying, it gives me a sense of calmness, helps me remain grounded. It allows me to be the best version of who I am. I learned that being a caring soul doesn’t require any effort. Smiling doesn’t hurt and empathy is essential. I am a lover of nature, not just the scenic views of mountains and rivers. I admire even the little plants that make up the vast green that sits under the blue sky. This is why I’ve brought the outdoors into my home. So this morning as I fed my plants and pondered the question, I realized I am both a lover of nature and nurturing and I couldn’t pick one because they go hand in hand for me.