My all time favorite dude Mr. Rogers told us to look for the helpers. It was something his mother reminded him to do in times of crisis. I think they both probably meant people helpers, but I am going to just extend the invitation to look for helpers in the plant world. Thus is born a new monthly series: Our Ancestors want us to be [fill in plant of the month here]. In this series I will feature a plant and humanize its characteristics through Ancestral teachings on how we ought to be behaving as stewards of this planet. Also, it feels worth saying that I am not a doctor and I am in no way qualified to give nutritional advice.
The sun has been on my mind all week. We are waiting for warmth and light to declare spring where I live. We also experienced Eclipse totality on Monday. So, in the spirit of our favorite star returning into view after a 1:35 minute hiatus, here’s an ode to Calendula, who looks just like the centerpiece of our solar system.
Calendula is an annual plant who also self-seeds. I think of our own renewals in much the same way: we can go through composting cycles, but we never truly start “anew.” Once something is said it cannot be unsaid. Once we have an experience, our bodies hold the memory. Once a seed is dropped, a new plant germinates.
This bright flower has a gentle way of supporting immunity and protecting us against the damp cold of winter. This is support we need during Earth’s winters, but also during our own. We crave a sense that the light has a place to shine through. The warmth of Calendula envelopes us when we most need to be cradled.
Calendula makes a great tea, strong tie-dye supplies, and a whimsical garnish for frittatas. It aids in healing internal and external wounds. This is the type of range we, too, must find in order to adapt to the many demands of living on this planet, at this time.
Calendula supports us by removing stagnation from our lives. The flower allows us to ease our hypervigilance and trade it for a more relaxed knowing of our own fortitude. Instead of preparing for all of the “mights,” we have the energy to sit with what is.
These mini sunshines have an energy of patience and acceptance. Today, I drove by a hand painted sign the size of a billboard that said: WHAT IS….IS. I had to ask myself: did Calendula write that? The sign and the flower are right. What is, is. We can learn to sit with, honor, and accept it. Maybe even invite it in for tea. Calendula will advise us in this process and offer us support and protection when “what is” breaks our hearts.
Calendula’s antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal behaviors offer soothing. Soothing that makes the truth bearable and the process conceivable. Resmaa Menakem gifted us with the concepts of “clean pain” and “dirty pain.” Clean pain is the pain that mends and leads toward growth. Dirty pain is the pain of avoidance, denial, of repeating harmful patterns. I think of Calendula as a great supporter of clean pain. We look at what is, we accept it, we disinfect it, and then we find ways to mend and move forward in the good way.
Calendula reminds us to reclaim boundaries so we can fully use our energy and magic. This plant helps us to recognize the abundance within and around us so we can stop seeking, and instead turn toward what is and what we hope comes next.
Gardens with Calendula experience blooms from early spring to late fall and throughout in a variety of climates. The flowers open in the morning and close in the evening – a reminder of rest and of the possibilities within beginnings and endings.
Calendula has anti-inflammatory characteristics. We can call on these lessons in challenging conversations and divisive moments. What support is needed to sooth the inflammation? What needs to be said, heard, avoided, or witnessed? These questions, and the wisdom of this plant help us to bring forth the truth, and sit comfortably with that truth.
There is a jar of Calendula in my kitchen island. Last year was my first growing season on this land, and I learned almost all of my lessons through failures. However, Calendula, true to their character, bloomed abundantly. These generous flowers have been a fixture of my fall and winter when the warmth of the sun was nowhere to be found.
Thus, it is safe to say, our Ancestors want us to be Calendula.
This came at the perfect time for me. Thank you for writing this.