My Dandelion Phase

The culture we live in is predominantly focused upon our achievements, our productions, and our output.  Specifically in terms of monetary value, but also just in terms of items or products.  While I believe this is necessary and valuable, it only tells one side of the story.  The other side is about taking time to decompress, lazing about, and regenerating.  While there may not be as much to show on the outside from this process, it is essential.  Far too often, we are too busy, rushed from one thing to another without time to process.  Eventually, the hectic pace of our lives builds up and the long-term stress negatively impacts our health, our relationships, and our motivation.

When I was discussing the fast paced, busy nature of my life and job with a good friend, she said we are called human beings, not human doers, for a reason.  But it's hard to just be, and not to do, act, produce, have something to show for your day.  Hard, yes, but possible and so worth it.  I'm no stranger to taking the hard road and going against the predominant culture to forge my own path.  I believe that having down time to reflect, relax, and just be is crucial to my life.  So in addition to transitioning from an attorney to a writer, I think this year is also about transitioning from a human doer to a human being.  To slow down and appreciate my life, instead of waiting until I've paid off all of my student loans and secured retirement to fully live.

A few months ago, I came across an incredible time lapse video of a dandelion turning from the bright yellow flower to the white puff of magic that kids love to wish upon.  What struck me about the video was how long the flower stays in the curled up brown phase.  Honestly, it looks like the flower is dead when the leaves dry up and curl into itself.  And it stays that way for such a long time.  I've probably walked past flowers like this outside and thought they were dried up, dead flowers.  But I was wrong.  They were working, with magic going on inside that we couldn't see.  While they looked so dried up, they were actually undergoing a huge transformation.  And that stage was absolutely essential to becoming a white puff of a dandelion.  This is what I call my dandelion stage.  When there is such a huge transformation going on underneath.  Maybe it looks like it's dead on the outside, but just wait.  Oh just you wait.  And don't rush it, either.

Here is a link to the video by Neil Bromhall.  It is just incredible, and the music is so powerful.  I just love it!