A few summers back, I lived in nature. I walked bare feet, listened to earthy music, and wore flowers in my hair. There are times when I would be driving and would deliberately stop all my plans to pick up a beautiful flower on the street side and place it in my hair. Of course, hours later, I would find the flower limply and dying in my hair tie.
I once read a great quote, from Osho, that goes something like this, “If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up, it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.” I have learned to appreciate these flowers for their life, their smell, and their beauty.
I have learned something else. I have learned that this metaphor can be used as a symbol that if I love a person, I must let them express and explore their lives to the fullest, without interfering in a way that I would find beneficial for myself. I have learned to love this person for what they are. Even if some of their petals are broken, then I must learn to truly appreciate the flower’s existence and its ability to still, despite being broken, being able to smell good to those who can appreciate it.
Release control. Let it be.
