5 Plants That Taught Me Valuable Life Lessons

Humans are surrounded by endless possibilities of learning. If we look around there is nothing that cannot teach us the lessons that could change our lives for good. For this, we are supposed to be vigilant and conscious of everything we encounter every day. Look at the settling sun or drifting clouds while strolling along on your terrace, or observe all the amenities at home, (that are named as non-living things though), without which our lives seem so tough, or have a silent peek at squirrels and birds around the woods. You will realize this entire land holds something unique and beautiful for us humans. Like this, if you try to observe plants, you’ll find they emanate a lot of inspiration and lessons but it is only noticeable to those who try to acknowledge the glory of Mother Nature.

I am a plant-crazy woman.

Not only do I buy plants but I do grow varied varieties of them at home too. To grow a plant from seeds or to nurture the bought saplings, both methods are challenging enough to be called as an uphill battle. The process promises experiential learning, and that’s why I love being indulged in gardening. It is not just a process to decorate your home or to juice out benefits out of nature, rather it is a process of learning profound life values.

Today, I am going to share some of my deepest learnings that are taught to me by the plants. Whenever challenges drive through my way or when I sense the root-wrenching storm I remind myself of all the plants (plants whose life journey I have witnessed in my garden) and their X-factors which makes them unique.

So, let’s begin…

1. Aloe Vera: Self-Healer

Aloe Vera is one of the widely known plants, found easily in almost every household. Mostly when Aloe comes into the conversation, all that people talk about is its medicinal properties and how variedly it benefits humans. But only a few do pay attention to its self-recovering and enduring capabilities. Leaves of Aloe when cut (doesn’t matter if it is tip, or middle) can regenerate back into a full-grown perfect shape. Aloe can withstand harsh conditions and can survive for up to 100 years. It is a succulent which means it keeps water stored within itself and doesn’t depend on outside sources of water much. Just like Aloe, we humans too can learn to be self-healers and thus, be not dependent on others for our happiness and survival. We can learn to stay confident in the face of adversity and be our own magic mender.

2. Lemon Tree

Lemon comes from a small evergreen tree that belongs to the flowering plant family Rutaceae. It is a citrus fruit that is so magnificently useful that it is the first choice of every home. However, people who haven’t seen its trees don’t know that its stems have deadly thorns. One careless touch to the plant might injure the person’s hand. Thorns are actually the modified stem and they act as a mechanism of self-defence to the plant. Obviously, a plant doesn’t have hands to fight off the attackers that’s why to save its juicy yellow fruits from herbivore animals, the lemon plant develops perilous and threatening spikes, so, they can safeguard themselves against any incursion. We humans, instead of hoping to have that one “Good Samaritan” in our lives — who could fight our battles for us while we stay behind — can learn this quality of the lemon tree that teaches a person to be their own savior. It teaches that instead of looking out for a protector, it is important that you carry your own thorns to defend your existence from enemies.

3. Coriander

Coriander, also known as Cilantro, is an annual herb that grows mainly in Southwestern Asia, Southern Europe, Middle East countries, and Northern Africa. Its leaves are widely loved around the world for their culinary use. Coriander grows slowly. Its seeds take approximately three or maybe more weeks to sprout (exceptions are when there are precisely proper growing conditions.) But when that first tiny sprout escapes the seed, the ripple of joy dances through the veins. One can really feel what pleasure and success mean.

The green outgrowth from the tiny yawn of coriander seed will compel you to remain awestruck for a long. Further, the moment, when these weensy saplings are to be transferred onto the bed of soil from tissue, one can feel their own intensity of care towards these seeds as if it’s your baby. Although, in theory sprouting happens with every seed, but to watch cilantro sprout is a mesmerizing and inspirational experience altogether.

4. Morning Glory

It is a flowering plant with over 1000 species. This is a fast-growing plant with colorful flowers that surely boost the charm of the balcony/terrace. The reason it is called morning glory is that its flowers start to spread into full bloom with the rise of the sun and they begin to fade out as the sun sets down the horizon. In a nutshell, it wakes up and dozes off with the sun. Just like this, the purplish blooms of morning glory that sit on the parapet wall of my balcony have provoked me to wake up early with open consciousness towards my dreams, work for them, and then doze off timely. It reminds me that “taking a break” is significant and a gesture of self-love. Thus, this plant named Morning Glory signifies the importance of relaxing shamelessly so as to have your own ‘me time.’

5. Mimosa Pudica

Chui Mui, who hasn’t heard this word, especially if you are from North India, then you surely know this word and the context in which it is used. I am talking about Mimosa Pudica, an annual or perennial flowering plant that is commonly known as the Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, or chui-mui. This plant rapidly responds to external stimuli. When touched, the plant exhibits its rebuttal by folding its leaflets inward and bending like a wilted plant. This dramatically haughty behavior of my beloved Mimosa has influenced me strongly. It has defined to me the true definition of ‘maintaining one’s self-boundary’ politely yet firmly. It has taught me the value of self-worth. Thus, always remember, ‘You are not bad if you say No or express your disapproval of something or someone.’ Doing so you might be sensitive but not weak.

So, you see how insightful it is to watch Mother Nature and magical to decipher its silent glory!

The more you observe, the more you’ll learn, I bet. This was my little experience. Talking about you, have you ever observed Mother Earth so closely?

If yes, then question yourself: what did you grasp, and do you practice that learning? If not, well, then I suggest you to take some time off your busy schedule and get intertwined in the immortal beauty of nature.

Trust me, you won’t regret it!