Living with Nature #9 | There is beauty even before the flowers bloom.

"The flowers haven't bloomed yet."

……Are you sure about that?

Hello.

I am Yukiyo-chan, helping you gently untie the knots in your heart

and return to your true self🌿

Whenever I look at the chaste tree in my garden,

every year at this season,

I find myself stopping in my tracks.

This tree,

which blooms with gentle purple flowers in the summer.

Many people

might think of its flowers or the fruit known as "chasteberry."

But,

what I love most

is the time just before the flowers bloom.

The soft new shoots

from May to June.

A gift only for the time before the flowers bloom

The leaves that sprouted in spring,

are...

Still soft,

fresh and succulent,

just by touching it,

a light, refreshing scent spreads.

Unlike mature leaves,

it has a light fragrance.

Somewhat refreshing,

and just a little spicy.

A small gift,

only for this time of year.

Every year,

I take a few new buds,

and enjoy the scent of the season.

Even leaves have their own unique character.

Vitex agnus-castus,

is a plant that has been cherished in Europe since ancient times.

Its fruit is called 'chasteberry',

and it is known as a herb that supports women's lives.

But,

more than its benefits,

I love the scent of leaves.

When I pour hot water over them,

the fragrance rises quietly.

A gentle moment,

that makes me want to take a deep breath.

Plants,

not just their flowers and fruits,

but their leaves too,

I think they truly have their own unique character.

The time before the flowers bloom is also precious.

When flowers bloom,

we say,

"How beautiful."

But,

there is also beauty,

in the time before the flowers bloom.

Spreading their leaves,

bathing in the light,

quietly preparing to bloom.

We,

That form,

though inconspicuous,

is a very precious time.

"I am still nobody."

……Is that really true?

People,

might be the same.

No results yet.

Dreams not yet realized.

Not yet having become anyone.

Sometimes,

I see myself that way.

But,

is that really true?

Even before the flowers bloom,

plants are growing steadily.

In places unseen,

they are gathering strength little by little.

People, too, surely,

are the same.

Perhaps it is still

the season before the flowers bloom.

Today's small exercise

If right now,

you are thinking,

"I haven't accomplished anything yet."

Just once,

try asking yourself.

"Is that really true?"

This day, too,

is surely

the time needed for your flowers to bloom.

In closing

Flowers

do not bloom suddenly one day.

Spreading their leaves,

swaying in the wind,

receiving the rain,

they are preparing little by little.

Because that time exists,

You can make beautiful flowers bloom.

We are,

surely the same.

Even if the flowers haven't bloomed yet,

in places unseen,

you are growing just fine.

So today, too,

there is no need to rush.

To you,

I offer just one question.

“Is that really so?”

Even in you, before the flowers bloom,

there may already be,

enough beauty.

Recommended articles

✉️Chasteberry isn't just for drinking

✉️ A story about how the same tree can have different flavors: The Vitex agnus-castus

🌿 If you'd like, I'll share the scent of nature with you

The new buds of the Vitex agnus-castus introduced in this article are also,

In the nature of Hoshino Village, Yame,

harvested one by one according to the season,

and dried at low temperatures while preserving the fragrance.

From the scent the moment you open the bag,

to the steam when you pour hot water,

I hope you enjoy a moment of feeling the season🌿

▶︎ "The luxury of feeling the scent──Encouraged by connections, I started a small sale"

Click here for YouTube

Chasteberry leaves also have a fragrance──Enjoying the new shoots of May to June, small seasonal handiwork | Living with Nature #9

#Vitex
#ChasteTree
#Chasteberry
#HerbTea
#LivingWithNature
#LifeWithPlants
#SeasonalHandiwork
#BlessingsOfTheGarden
#LifeWithWildHerbs
#YukiyoChan