Be a Sunflower

Have you ever seen a field of sunflowers in bloom? It is a glorious sight, with all those massive flowers facing the sun. If you drive by a field of young sunflowers in the morning, they will be facing east, in anticipation of the dawn. The flowers track the sun throughout the day, facing west by sunset.

I think of those sunflowers whenever I practice “Eyes to the Sun.”

Sit outside where you can see the sun in the sky. Close your eyes and tilt your face to the sun. Revel in the brightness of the sunlight through your eyelids. (Of course you never look directly at the sun with open eyes! We all know that!) Channel your inner sunflower and its inherent plant wisdom.

This is a time-honored remedy for sleep disturbances, helping to recalibrate your pineal gland and circadian rhythms. It is both energizing and relaxing, and inspiring.

I am told it is helpful for jet lag: “sunflower” in your new location as soon as you arrive.

This is a simple, powerful, and exceedingly pleasant form of medicine, and can be done in any season, or even during cloudy weather.

But it’s most glorious in the summer when you can truly feel like a sunflower.

Plant medicine is good medicine.

PS Speaking of natural rhythms, Kirsten Cowan and I (double K!) will be teaching a new workshop: Syncing with the Seasons for Fall: Traditional Wisdom for Modern Life. It’s going to be a lot of fun and chockablock full of good information. We are not ready to accept enrollments yet, but mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept 29, 10-noon Pacific Time (via Zoom). Stay tuned for more soon!