If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. - Jack Kornfield

Monday evening’s Stretch & Radical Rest class on April 25th began with a flower-gazing meditation. Each person brought a single blossom to focus on, from fanciful showstopper to wildflower sprung from the grass. 

In 10 minutes we came out the other side of the experience with a deeper feeling of connection, peace, and appreciation. 

“It’s a piece of art in itself.” - Donna

“I want to do this with all the flowers.” - Lauren

Eckhart Tolle writes in A New Earth, “Seeing beauty in a flower could awaken humans, however briefly, to the beauty that is an essential part of their own innermost being, their true nature.” 

This is the very purpose and essence of yoga! To abide in our true nature of love and joy. 

There are no rules to flower-appreciation, but here is one way to meditate with flower power.

1. Sit comfortably holding a flower or propping it to eye level.
2. Visualize grounding yourself to the Earth from which this flower grew. Relax through your face and hold a soft gaze on the flower.
3. Observe and enjoy! Naturally explore the flower’s parts, shapes, colors, texture, smell. Feel its essence. Let it be an energetic exchange. 
4. When you notice attention wandering, gently guide yourself back to the blossom.
5. After 10 minutes or however long you wish, thank this flower and close your eyes to integrate the experience.

Would you like to be guided in your own experience of a flower-gazing meditation? Join Carly again this Mondays for Stretch & Radical Rest.