Plant Blindness

Is the inability to see or to notice plants within our environment a modern concern? Or during our evolution on planet earth is 'plant blindness' a protective tool to protect us from over stimulation to allow focus in hunting and safety from predators? Does plant blindness benefit us now in our modern world or is it a problem to be overcome? How can we cherish what we don't see?

When we consider life on this beautiful planet, animals and humans account for 0.3% of it. 99.7% of the biomass on earth is made by plants. As a hunter gatherer, 'seeing' all the green may of confused us from the task in hand. I am so pleased that the abundance of the plant kingdom is an ever evolving journey. Plants come into your vision, you get to 'know ' them, you get to 'see' them.

“Revive your understanding of plant consciousness. Study with your eyes and notice the magic of the plant & fungi kingdom. An invitation to journey back in time.. To remember the sights and smells of plants as they welcomed your child body. Returning to these experiences may bring connection and freedom”

Learn of your personal family traditions, that are so normal they were never heralded as magical knowing or understanding. Consider the plants that have travelled with your family. Asking elders and family members to build a book of knowledge and plant stories. Or simply begin a tradition now for the generations that will follow you.

A simple place to start is with the four seasons. In winter search for dandelion roots or mistletoe. In spring immerse your like in nettles and cleavers. In summer rejoice with rose and daisies. In autumn weave willow baskets and pick blackberries. With friends, families and/or neighbours.

Study the natural world in awe & wonder...

Resolve to becoming less blind, if you don't know something and are curious ask the elders because they know things and notice things that are not written in books. Ask grannies and grandads is their is a family receipt book, a traditional recipe that you can excavate and breath life into. Commit to learning the latin names because within them is great understanding and honour.

So as your sight grows stronger share you understanding with those that walk your path. Delight in the revelation, gather time and space around you to to commune and revere the plants around you. Build new relationships and as Linda Black Elk said at the Plant Consciousness Conference 'Be a good cousin to plants'. I like to reflect and remember many of the plants as they came into my life. I enjoy remembering the human or experience that brought them to me. I remember a time in my life when I didn't know that Lavender even existed or that tree's have tiny little flowers. I remember the first dark evening that I met Nettle 'Ouch!!'. Or the first sinking dip into a lavish lime flower and rose petal bath.

May we always remain open to learning and share our understanding with our friends, our children, our family and wider community. Because, if we study plants closely: the magic of the cosmos is revealed to us it is held within the spirals of a fern. We can begin touch, appreciate, respect and protect the inner sanctum of a beautiful world held within us, and within we all play a part....for we are nature..

"May the light of your soul guide you.

May the light of your soul bless the work that you do

with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul".

- John O'Donoghue (Blessing)