When Plant Love Overgrows..
I have always believed in the power of plants to uplift our lives, but it's easy to get so caught up in tending to our greenery that we forget to tend to ourselves. It's a common pitfall, where our passion for plants overshadows our personal needs. It's important to remember that it’s okay to sometimes LET YOUR PLANTS GO in order to ensure you are also taken care of. And it’s okay to kill a bunch of them once in a while.
There's a unique satisfaction in nurturing a plant from a tiny seedling to a thriving specimen, everyone knows that feeling. You might find yourself spending hours each day watering, repotting, and meticulously monitoring your plants. So it's easy to get lost in this world of green and forget that you have other needs to consider, needs that are way more important.
These days passion for plant care can become so intense that we might start neglecting other aspects of our lives, we might skip meals, stay up too late, or ignore the need for social interaction because we feel the plants require more attention. As much as plants can provide a sense of calm, your body, mind, and soul need other kinds of nurturing. That’s why I try to remind myself every day to do something for my body, something for my mind, and something for my soul. That has helped me a lot throughout these last two years.
Just like plants need the right amount of sun, water, and nutrients to thrive, so do we. It's vital to strike a balance between caring for our plants and caring for ourselves. You can make sure that you do something each day for your body, mind, and soul in addition to the plant care that is an important part of your life. You can achieve balance by setting aside time each day for self-care, this could include:
Nourishing your body by preparing healthy meals and moving your body will ensure you have the physical energy for your plants as well as overall wellness. Start your morning with 10min stretching and 5min Lavandier morning meditation.
Calming your mind to practice mindfulness, meditate, or engage in creative activities. I recently went to meditation and sound healing here in OpenStudios Berlin, was super fun and useful as well.
Nurturing the soul and by that I mean connecting with loved ones, spending time in nature, or pursuing a hobby you love.
It's OKAY TO LET GO. There will be times when you have to prioritize yourself. It's okay if you forget to water your plants once in a while or if a few leaves turn yellow and drop. As the blog post about "Zen and the Art of Leaving Your Plants the Fuck Alone" suggests, sometimes the best thing you can do is let things be. You do not need to feel guilt about losing some of your plants if you have prioritized your own well-being.
A thriving indoor jungle is a reflection of a balanced life. If we neglect our own well-being, we may also find that our plant care begins to suffer. By taking care of ourselves, we create an environment where both we and our plants can flourish. So, take a deep breath, admire your indoor jungle, but also ask yourself what you need today. Remember, self-care is not selfish, it is essential for a happy and balanced life, and for your plants as well.
