Periodically along my daily walks I find one lying on the path. Knocked off from its stem, separated from the rest of its floral family, a singular flower pod awaits its final ending. Kicked aside or simply left to wither in the hot sun it rests vulnerable and alone. I rarely can resist gathering up the little pod and taking it back with me, plopping it into a cool glass of water. There within minutes I watch as it begins to slowly open—as if in surprise, having already accepted its doom and discovering there’d been a last-minute recall from its sidewalk sentencing. Petal-by-petal it gathers in the soothing sunshine and fresh water living a glorious last gasp before its closing act.
I am forever awed by such bursts of life for it teaches me much not only about “pod potential,” but something more. This little Nature Teacher helps me see that we each have such strength within us to live and express ourselves—even when all appears hopeless. We might not believe it at the time, but if given a second chance to live, to express ourselves, to climb back up after falling down—even if for a brief moment—our spirit is equipped to rally and make it possible. We are wired to thrive, as we each have the potential to tap into that pocket of vibrant energy tucked inside our cells and bring it forth. We must never give up hope. We are living, breathing pod potentials. In the Sixties we called it “Flower Power.” Today that expression has a whole new meaning for me when I realize how literal it is. Little flower pods have powerful life-forces in them. And so do we. Bloom on!
