Plumeria Power

It was while living in Asia this past year that I first took in the sweet scent of nature's little gift, the Plumeria flower tree, also known as Frangipani for the first time. It's incredible how much joy I found in these flowers. They live short robust lives, continuously flowering and permeating vivid color and an enticing sweet scent that would stop me in my tracks.  It became my daily ritual to pause in the presence of the Plumeria.  While living on Gili Meno in Indonesia, the flowers grew everywhere and I routinely collected the fallen flowers under a tree next to my bungalow, mindfully scattering them on my bed and bed frame, filling the room with fragrance.  This gesture became a  practice of meditation for me, and I felt in harmony with my femininity while being reminded of small practices of gratitude that are here for us to embrace.  It's so easy for us humans to complicate things with our mind (guilty!)...but these flowers with their short little life span of utter unadulterated beauty, reminds me to stop. Breathe. It doesn't always have to be so complicated. I have caused much of my own suffering in my young life for constantly striving for perfection, too distracted to recognize the perfection in the subtlety, failing to embrace the present, until those moments have passed by.

I've learned that these flowers have a myriad of meaning and symbolism in various countries. According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (by Scott Cunningham; Llewellyn Publications, 1984)  Plumeria is associated with the feminine, ruled by Venus, its element is water, its deity is Buddha, and its power is love. (Makes sense.)

Plumeria tree growing outside my bungalow in Indonesia.

 My life has recently undergone a significant whirlwind of change. From island life back to 'civilization,' trying to find my place once again in a foreign country, and bearing tiny wounds in the heart. But I know all this struggle is meant to prompt me to continue to do the necessary work, awakening dormant strength & depths within. Creativity can always be cultivated from challenges.

I'm thankful to discover the Plumeria grows here in Australia, and amazingly... all over the streets where I live! I've promised myself to continue to pay homage to my island tendencies, and always stop to admire the Plumeria. When they bow their heads in weariness and fall, I'll pick them back up and continue to relish in their blossom.  Because beauty in the subtlety never dies.