I love dandelions.
Oh, I know you may think of them as weeds, but I think of them as beautiful and magical flowers.
Dandelions grow up everywhere, often in the most unexpected places. They’re so usual that often we don’t even notice them; until we do and it bursts open our heart. Especially when they are a spot of beauty in a rather ugly landscape.
And then they age and they turn into fragile white puffs, This is where the magic comes in. Who among us has not closed our eyes and made a wish and then blown all those fuzzy particles all around us? If you haven’t, you should try it sometime. They are full of seeds and you can imagine your wish sprouting wherever they may fly and land. (I suspect that some of my neighbors don’t appreciate my love for this activity very much.)
Dandelions are a nutritious food source and have been used through the ages for their healing power. They’re more than just pretty. They’re functional. They’re also strong and hearty. Step on a dandelion and tomorrow it will often look as good as new.
So many see a rather stubborn weed when they look at them. Oh, the short -sightedness of humans and our willingness to discount the value of something so special. Take another look at them and consider their possibilities. Maybe they’re better than a pristine lawn.
I love dandelions because they are a great example of a living thing that is under-estimated for their strength, usefulness, and beauty. Perhaps like you.
“Why doesn’t constant trampling defeat the dandelion? The key to its strength is its long and sturdy root, which extends deep into the earth. The same priciple applies to people. The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.” – Daisaku Ikeda
In the Box, Out of the Box 