Healing power of plants
In life, unexpected events often lead us in unwanted directions. During such times, panic can set in, making us feel limited and questioning the world around us. Despite these struggles, people find ways to heal and overcome difficulties through their favorite activities.
Since childhood, I have been intrigued by the concepts of spiritual healing and happiness. People derive happiness from a myriad of activities, such as traveling, singing, dancing, reading, watching movies, drawing, playing musical instruments, running or simply listening to music. As Aristotle preached, happiness "depends on ourselves." More than anyone else, we are the ones who continuously seek our own paths to achieve it.
For me, personally, caring for plants is my method of healing. The joy of nurturing dying plants back to life gives me a profound sense of renewal. When I travel, my biggest concern is ensuring my plants are properly watered. I find it hard to trust others to care for them as I do.
Compared to Europe, where the per capita consumption of flowers amounts to 110,000 Korean Won per year, Korea's consumption is significantly lower at just 10,000 won per year. Increasing this consumption could lead to a 10-fold increase in plant purchases in Korea. Witnessing my plants thrive brings me enduring happiness.
Each flower offers a unique harmony of colors, shapes and scents. Whether it's the scent of roses or lavender, each flower is beautiful in its distinct way.
Just as a beehive naturally forms with each part contributing to the whole, we too can live in harmony by embracing our differences. In my small garden, I discover wisdom of nature's order, which is both wonderful and awe-inspiring.
Research by Horticultural Science Institute has shown that caring for plants can reduce stress hormones by 28 percent and increase the stability index — a measure of calmness — by 42 percent. Therefore, tending to the plants in my home garden naturally brings me happiness.
Before a flower arrangement lesson, I cultivate a calm mindset by closing my eyes and concentrating on myself. Though not a religious practice, this ritual helps me transmit stability and happiness to my learners. While studying in Japan, I embraced traditional Japanese flower arrangements while dressed in a kimono. Sometimes, I would stand, kneel and sit quietly until my legs were numb, yet it was a time filled with happiness. Even now, the spiritual posture from those days provides moments of peace and beauty. I've heard that in Indian yoga practices, there is an exercise where one sits still, staring at a single flower until all distracting thoughts fade away — a practice that depends on the observer.
While deeply connected to the secular world, I have found my own path to happiness, harmonizing it with the reality I live in.
Shin Hye-suk (sinesu@naver.com), who also goes by Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a florist and has served as president of the Rotary International Seoul Club Korea.