Plantfulness - Reconnection with Self through Plants

Plantfulness - is a form of Mindfulness but focusing on PLANTS, a lifestyle choice and self help tool.

If mindfulness is being in the present moment by focusing on one thing - like your breath, then Plant-ful-ness is actually a form of Mind-ful-ness. It is being in the moment, and noticing every detail, using a PLANT(S) - like a flower - as a focus point. This bring us into the present moment, in our bodies with our feet firmly on mother earth and helps us stay there.

Plant-ful-ness is also a lifestyle and a conscious choice. Plants are all around us but often go unnoticed. Many people are fearful of plants in case they be toxic. And even more aren't able to name common plants let alone teach their children which ones are toxic and which are edible and our medicinal allies.

We need plants! But there is a disconnect with nature in general and plants specifically, since we buy our food from the supermarkets and get our medicines from the pharmacy.

Many of us are looking for meaning in our lives without realising that this loss of meaning and purpose actually comes in part from the modern way of life that disconnects us from our natural environment.

If this is you then maybe a Plantful practice will resonate with you?

Plants connect us back to nature and the earth and in so doing, we pause just long enough to connect us back to ourselves.

I write about my personal journey with discovering plantfulness and appreciating plants in my books Wild Spring, Wild Summer and my Wild Seasons - cycling through change - chapter in the Lead with love collaboration.

In the words of artist and writer Julia Rose Bower: ‘Plantfulness is a way of living alongside plants intentionally, mindfully and fully appreciative of the ways in which they enrich our lives’

Plants have a nervous system and an intelligence

Plants aren't just inspiring and beautiful to look at, they also have their own nervous system and intelligence. We can draw on their energy to support our own nervous systems through a diet rich in plant foods, using herbal medicines and having daily nature based rituals. This can be especially nourishing in times of stress and change.

I am suggesting that we mindfully include PLANTS to stress-proof our lifestyle because they impart resilience to us especially in times of transition and help us to adapt to change. Think about the common weed, Dandelion... it is a great example of resilience in that it can grow and thrive in just about any condition and all over the world... and it is edible and medicinal!

Just spending time in nature is a passive, restorative practice. Nature immersion may just be the missing prescription for your health and longevity.

Here are some practical ideas for how to create an environment containing plants and a lifestyle that supports your energy:

Walk in nature daily

Eat plants 

Cook with a diverse variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes,  herbs and spices etc

Drink herbal teas daily

Follow the seasons by eating local seasonal produce

Use household and beauty products made from plants based natural ingredients instead of commercial chemicals 

Have house plants and remember to water and care for them

Have fresh flowers or dried plant decorations in your home 

Plant a potted or kitchen garden

Smell roses, lavender and other fragranced plants everytime you pass them ;)

“Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you may take care of them.”

-Robin Wall Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass

Another practical tip is to cultivate a Meditatiion practice just 10-minutes a day with Plant Inspiration.

Pick your favourite bloom or tree to focus on.

Sit in a quiet place - leaning against a tree would be ideal ;)

Gaze passively at your plant

Let your mind wander without judgement like the clouds in the sky

Take a few deep breaths

Close your eyes... and when you are ready to face the world... put a smile on your lips, open your eyes

If you like to journal, write down anything that came to mind and take these thoughts into the rest of your day :)

This practice can help you to:

Transform fear, anxiety, and worry into mental peace

Become centered in your personal power

Use your senses to stay present and in the moment

Call in your plant allies as guides for support

Easily let go of what no longer serves you

Manifest through intention setting

Awaken to gratitude every day

Heal your body, mind, and heart

If you are ready to discover more about Plantfulness, reconnect with the magic in your life and heal, click HERE. You can download for FREE my 6 page pdf Plantfulness Lifestyle Guide when you subscribe to my mailing list.

Quote from my chaper Wild seasons - cycling through change in the Lead with Love book collab