Orchid Wisdom: Uniqueness & The Beauty of Simplicity

What Can Orchids Teach Us?

Nature is alive with wisdom should we choose to listen. The tales of the trees, to the beauty of blooms all around. Each special specimen of Creation has a story, a lesson to teach us on our journey in life. The beauty of simplicity is as ironically complex, as it is underrated and underappreciated.

As an introvert, I tend to get stuck in analyzing my thoughts a lot. Sometimes that is beneficial and sometimes it is definitely not. (Hi introverts – any of you know exactly what I mean?)

As I sat quietly in the kitchen, feeling a bit glum and uninspired, my gaze took notice at one of the orchids happily blooming in our kitchen.

This time, the thoughts swirling in my mind were welcomed, powerful and heartwarming. The result is this post. It’s the first in a new series entitled, “Orchid Wisdom: What Orchids Teach Us.” ?

The Wisdom of Orchids

What I was being taught took my breath away. I hope it will touch your heart as well.

Promise & Possibility: Orchid Buds

Look at these buds. They are “green,” brimming with promise. Preparing to burst into a new life. Healthy buds are exciting. They are the promise of our tomorrows – the joy and unveiling of what is to come but not yet seen. I think of a youngster discovering who they are and what they are to do and become. Or perhaps a more mature individual rediscovering who they are, a rebirth, coming alive in life for the first time. It could even be a long awaited answer to prayer after holding on to the promise for what seems an eternity.

Whatever color or design the bloom will be really doesn’t matter. No matter what it looks like – we know it has untold beauty, purpose and holds magical wonderment.

Uniqueness & Perfect Simplicity: Orchid Blooms

Look at these blooms. These orchid blooms don’t manipulate themselves to look like the ones next to them on the other plants. They are blissfully content being unique, vibrant and simply…breathtaking.

What we receive in return for their individuality is a masterpiece. A stunning work of Creation’s art that was forged out of the stretching, painful growth. Its energies invested in becoming better, healthier and producing what it was born to do.

Isn’t the same true for us? Are we not all filled with promise, purpose and Divine plans? Do our distinctive colors, shapes, skills, backgrounds, environments and personalities not make us all the more intricately magnificent? Do outward appearances dictate the content of our character or our purpose? Does it matter where we came from if we are focused on where we are going? No bloom is less delightful than another. Different? Yes. Less valuable? Never.

Consider this: The vast array of diversity in orchids on display will truly take your breath away. Celebrating the differences and embracing each for what it is genuinely [not trying to conform to a set standard] – how much could we gain?

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Deep Roots Produce Healthy Growth

Without deep, anchoring roots, you won’t flourish. Healthy roots in an orchid give the plant a foundation to produce the most stunning blooms you’ve ever seen. Without a healthy root system, the orchid is dull, fragile and susceptible to damage.

The same is true of us. Shallow root systems produce disease in our hearts and lives. Roots [your esteem] not anchored in the deep will struggle without enough strength to withstand whatever comes against it. You too will be dull, fragile and susceptible to damage.

Think of a tree with extremely shallow roots. The very first time a strong wind blows, that tree is likely to fall. When our goal is to be like someone else, look like someone else, talk like someone else or have what someone else has – our roots are shallow. It is only a matter of time before those shallow roots collapse under pressure and fail to produce what it was designed to do.

Understanding who you are, your value apart from what societal norms tell you to be or do – those are deep roots. I personally find my roots in the love of Christ. Being anchored is critical in a chaotic world. Don’t wait for someone to tell you who you are because they gladly will. Know who you are and know that just like orchids, your quirkiness, vision and special set of gifts are celebrated and needed.

Closing Thoughts…

We are living in a day and time, I believe, where there is an epidemic of identity crisis.

“When you know who you truly are, the need to compare yourself to others would become highly unnecessary.” 

 Edmond Mbiaka

If I could ask one thing of you, it’s to stop comparing and start living my friend. You aren’t an accident. Being born with the very abilities, ideas, passions, appearance and drive you have are for a reason. Best of all, only you can achieve it. You are as unique as your fingerprint. There is only one you in this world and no one can duplicate or compare to you.

When you try to do what someone else does, you lose your brilliance. Find what lights you up and do it! Just like the orchids in the photo above – it is the differences that make them stand out from the crowd. Not their likeness of another.

I want to see you blossom in the same way these orchids do. I want to see you display the beauty of simplicity. I want to see you simply be you. Lay down the heavy burden of trying so hard and let your natural authentic self shine. The world is waiting on you to show them what they’ve never seen. We have an endless supply of copycats. Don’t be one of them. ❤

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What have orchids taught you? Did this post inspire you? I’d love to hear from you!

As always, I appreciate you sharing this post with your friends on social media more than I can say! If it touched your heart, help make someone else’s day a bit brighter too. Thank you! ♥