It’s in our difficulties that we’re tested and given opportunities to see what we’ve learned, where we’re still stuck, and what needs to happen in order to progress.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh, there she goes again being all woo-woo”, let me digress for a moment and explain what I mean. It begins with some super cool plant happiness. I mean, uh, information.

Of course, it’s true that all living organisms have instincts and naturally just “know” what to do to eat, stay safe, reproduce etc. And although you might not think plants are smart in some of the same ways, it turns out they are!

According to goldbio.com, “In a sense, plants are able to think by perceiving their environment and making decided changes in order to thrive.” It goes on to acknowledge that plant thought isn’t at the same level of sentience or self-awareness as for animals or humans (Whew! Imagine the horrors if it was!), but I think it’s pretty darned cool that they can make decisions!)

And while we’re digressing (well, okay, I am), here’s a splendiferous tidbit of extra plant coolness from ambius.com:

It adds: “…plants can, indeed, make memories, and can display their memory recall though learned response. Better yet, they were able to learn quickly — in as little as one day. Lack of nervous system aside, the mimosa pudica, or ‘sensitive plant,’ started displaying learned responses in as little as one day.”

Okay, so now that we know plants are smart cookies (so to speak), let’s get back to what I was going to say in the first place:

Some plants don’t particularly like the sun (I’m that kind of plant; I’m actually allergic to it — literally — so said a doctor). Some plants like a little bit of a sun, or maybe more than a little, and others like sun all the freakin’ time. Oy vey. Are they demanding? Are they divas? Do they yell at you if you put them in the shade?

Well, I guess they’re not demanding and they’re not divas, any more than the ones that don’t like sun and insist on shade are being demanding.

They’re just doing what they know to do. They know what they need and they do their best to get it.

I’m sure you’ll have seen sun-worshipping plants that aren’t quite in that happy bright place that they need need need. They grow lopsided as they stretch and strain toward the light. If you have them across the room from a window or in a shady place in your garden, they’ll grow almost horizontally as they fight to find a teeny bit of light if you leave them there long enough. (Ouch, my neck hurts just thinkin’ about it)

If you want them to grow straight-ish upward and they’re movable (i.e. in a pot), you have to keep turning them. Or better yet, put them in the dang sun! I mean, they don’t ask for much. A little water, a kind word, and some light, please!

And if you leave them where they are — away from the light they need — they’ll keep growing toward the sun. They’ll keep stretching and straining trying to get to the light because that’s their happy place. And they’re, well, uh, “planted” (haha, see what I did there?) right where they are, whether in a pot or the ground, they don’t get to pack up and move to a brighter location.

An aside: Which came first? Being called a plant because you get planted? Or being planted because you’re called a plant? Hm.

What’s extra fascinating is that plants will actively avoid the shade cast by their neighbours, straining their way past it to be sure they get enough light. Ooo, see? They really are smart!

Plants extend themselves downward, too, their roots are as clever as their leaves, stretching and expanding as necessary in search of water and nutrients, and transforming everything they can reach into growth and strength.

Even in the darkness of caves, underground tunnels and in the profound cool and shade of a thick forest, there is life. As with all life forms, plants are trained to find sustenance, to do that which will keep them alive and thriving.

Think like a plant. Especially in dark or challenging times. Avoid the shade cast by negative people, influences, events, those energy vampires that manipulate you and suck the life out of you. Dig your roots into solid ground, reaching for the best nutrition, rest, and whatever physical activities you prefer that’ll lift your spirit.

Be like a plant and reach for all that is life-affirming — in food, people, hobbies, words, films, s. Grasp for what is good, what lights you up.

Of course, difficulties happen. Life is challenging. I’m not suggesting you should, must, or ought to always be grinning and happy, no matter what you’re facing. You have a right to your feelings.

I understand that fear, worry, doubt, grief, depression and anxiety might well be part of your journey. After all, you’re human. All of us get doses of those feelings. The trick is to not let them be the journey.

Here’s the thing: When it gets bumpy, or when you feel stuck, allow yourself some time with those feelings. AND … keep reaching beyond the shade. Every tiny step, every choice of a better thought, all of it makes a difference in getting you back to the sun.

Remember that seedlings don’t grow overnight, especially under a thick canopy of forest branches. But they do get there eventually, and they do it by consistently seeking the light that is just out of reach.

Your default setting is survival; it is counterintuitive to hold yourself back. Get out of your comfort zone.

Don’t question it, whatever — or whomever — “it” is. Your intuition knows best. Even if your head says, “But I love this place (or person or situation)”, if it leaves you feeling “not good,” it’s not for you.

Think like a plant, because apparently plants are smart. They know stuff. Mainly how to keep reaching for the light, no matter what.

Feeling stuck? Need guidance or a numerology reading to help you with clarity? Visit my shop for self-help tools to improve your life

As a Spiritual Arts Mentor and Master Teacher, I will guide you in discovering who you are, why you’re here, and how to follow that path.

k

What Distance Should My Grow Lights be Above My Seeds Starts? & How Long Do I Leave the Lights On?

FAQ

How much light does a philodendron plant need?

Do philodendrons like to grow up or down?

Is philodendron a good indoor plant?

How much light is enough light for plants?

How can Ambius help with plant care?

Ambius is a leader in plant care and can help you find the perfect plants for your office or other space. Contact us today for more details. “Plants need light for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of the plant making its own food,” said Matt Kostelnick, Senior Horticulturist at Ambius.

Does Ambius care for succulents?

Ambius has been enhancing interior landscapes since 1963. We are experts in the use and care of succulents indoors and often use succulents in our green walls and interior landscaping projects. Ambius plant specialists know how to care for succulents and know what they need to not just survive, but to thrive in almost any environment.

Do air plants need light?

Air plants need light to live. Tillandsias thrive in bright, filtered light. How much light an air plant needs depends on its type: a mesic (prefer indirect sunlight) or xeric type (prefer bright direct sunlight). Let’s discuss the role that light plays in the health and lifespan of a Tillandsia.

How much light do air plants need to grow?

Aim for 12 hours of fluorescent light for air plants to grow, which mimics daylight hours. You will have to get full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs (grow lights) since the regular incandescent bulbs don’t emit the quality of light these plants need to photosynthesize.