Wildflowers—the Beauty of Authenticity

by Michele Oksen

Not only are wildflowers attractive to bees and butterflies, they appeal to bouquet makers as well. When it comes to a gift from—and for—the heart there's nothing like a handpicked mini wildflower arrangement to lift our spirits. I say, "mini" because my mom taught my brother, Eric, and me to be frugal with the wildflowers. She explained how they needed to stay rooted in order to come to fruition and cast their seeds. That way, nature's display was insured for generations to come.

Inevitably the fresh decoration we would harvest for our Easter celebration had insects on it. While the family ate my mom's creative cuisine the bugs continued to chew up the flowers. Still, even as pieces of petals floated down to the tabletop it did not diminish the beauty we beheld.

As we do when we marvel at the wildflowers when we acknowledge the innate glory of the humans around us we become aware of and recognize the value of authenticity. Authenticity—the genuineness of something or someone—means there are no hidden agendas to complicate and confuse things.  And when there's no "con" to contaminate interactions and relations with others—there's less defensiveness. Thus, there's more opportunity for discovery of commonalities. This, in turn, promotes acceptance and appreciation.

Among wildflowers, the real thing is perfect as is, at any stage of maturity. Same goes for humans at any level of consciousness. There's no pursuit of perfection. Perfection is not something to be captured or purchased. It's not a process. The highest attainable standard is an inherent attribute. It's built in, it's already there. 

That means there's no need to buy into—or be distracted by—the media's or someone else's limited preferences and perceptions as to what beauty and excellence looks like. We just have to be advocates of authenticity as a definition of perfection. That way we rise above society's imposed–and often ridiculous–goals of physical flawlessness.

Here's the deal, some of us choose to be creative in ways other than the cover-up and concealment of that which various people may be bothered by. Look, if someone views my sun damaged skin, graying hair, crooked teeth, and flotation system as offensive then that person has the option to look elsewhere. I no longer have the disposition to placate people who would have me apologize for—or be ashamed of myself for— what someone else perceives to be my flaws and weaknesses.

If we can't accept each other–as the evolving human beings that we are– it may be very challenging to find common ground from which to nourish a relationship and grow together. On the other hand, if we can accept each other and agree to communicate with the intention to be real, truthful, and kind–that is a foundation we can build on.

We flourish not when we're stomped on by judgments and opinions of scrutinizers. We thrive when we are supported. We blossom when we assimilate the guidance of brilliant mentors.   

As the frost bitten, wind torn wildflowers remain attractive to pollen seekers so do authentic people–along with their internal and external scars—attract truth seekers. To transcend superficial interactions in favor of knowledge and understanding, we must know truthfulness and authenticity in ourselves. That primes the environment to magnetically attract more of that same energy to us.

With authenticity deeply rooted in the richness of gratitude for life, much like a California poppy, a Johnny jump-up, or any of our SLO coast wildflowers, our pure intention to evolve contributes to the manifestation of a presence surrounded by a vibrant aura.

So go ahead, let wildflowers encourage your authentic self to bloom. Face the sunlight and show your true colors. Reach for the heavens and be grateful. Grow, mature, and spread seeds of sincerity.

Bottom line—just be real. You're beautiful.

[NOTE: This column was originally titled Nature's Voice]

Photos by Marcia Rhoades.
Banner image by Fugle