“Reflecting on the Spirituality of Native Plants”
I’ve been pondering the spirituality of native plants – and what native plants can teach us. Here are some thoughts….
When you go looking, you’ll find varying definitions of “native plants.”
Here are a few:
- plants that were growing naturally here when the European settlers arrived
- a plant that lives or grows naturally in a particular region without direct or indirect human intervention
- a plant which has inhabited a particular region for thousands of years
Why are native plants important to have in our yards and communities?
They ~
- are drought-tolerant, so naturally conserve water resources
- provide habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife
- do not need special pampering or fertilizing
- are natural to their eco-system
- help us maintain biological biodiversity
So here are a few ways I think we can glean spiritual insights from native plants.
Roots/Grounded – Native plants have roots that work well in their environment. Their roots provide adequately for their needs, even in adverse conditions. We need strong and deep roots for our own spiritual growth, to keep us grounded and sustained in this life. — Reflect on a time when your own spiritual grounding, your roots, carried you through a difficult season.
Soil/Nourishment – The soil does not need to be altered for the plant to grow, and even to thrive. — Consider your own “soil” – what elements are in it? How do they contribute to your well being? How do they nourish your spirit?
Adequate Water – Plants growing naturally in a space are ones that are suited to the rain (or lack of rain) in that area. (For example: plants that grow well in Houston – a coastal area with a high average yearly rainfall – don’t do so well in Amarillo – more of a high desert area.) — Spiritually, how do you place yourself in an environment that “waters” you sufficiently, but doesn’t overdo it? What kinds of “water” are right for you? Are there any scriptures about water that speak to you about this today?
Community – Native plants help other plants and creatures in their environment. They help others live, and thrive.
— How are you contributing to the well being of others around you? How are you supporting, encouraging, inviting others into deeper growth, into loving action, into deeper community with more and more of creation?
Resilience – Native plants are more resilient than ones brought in from other areas. They may experience some degree of damage, some restriction from extreme heat or cold, but will bounce back strong. It’s beautiful to see – a resurrection story. — When you feel pruned, or frozen, or overheated and arid, … how is your spirit renewed? What helps you “bounce back?” How are you spiritually resilient?
If – after the winter weather has passed – you see a need to replace some plants that didn’t survive that weather, please consider native plants. If you search on “native plants,” sites with information particular to your geographic area and climate zone will be shown. See what you can find – and enjoy! Maybe a few native plants in your space will be a reminder of your own connections – to God, to humanity, to creation.
Reflection by Glynden Bode, Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader, HOF Board Vice-President, and Retired UM deacon.
This reflection represents the view of the author.