The Sunflower Perspective
A further explanation of the goal of this blog and an inside look into my love for sunflowers.
My love for all things sunflowers
When I was in fifth grade I had to do a report on a famous artist. I chose to do it on Georgia O’Keefe, a very famous landscape and nature artist who had died.
I will save the entire story for a different article but long story short I felt a huge connection to Georgia. It was a connection I could have never expected but a connection that has helped me throughout my life and will for as long as I live.
I came to find out that one of her most famous paintings was of a sunflower, a natural beauty. From that point on my connection to Georgia would be through sunflowers. Today, even when the people closest to me see a sunflower they automatically think of me. It’s become a part of who I am.
Then a few months ago I stumbled upon a blog article about the symbolism of the sunflower and was in awe of it. It matched exactly what I had been going through; it was exactly what I needed at the time.
I thought you know a lot of people could use some sunflower energy in their life. Thus, The Sunflower Perspective was created.
The Sunflower Perspective
So what is the sunflower perspective?
The sunflower perspective is a mindset, a way of approaching life in a divine method.
It’s based on the unique symbolism of a sunflower and how you can apply that to your everyday life.
Sunflower symbolism
A sunflower’s bright yellow petals literally represent the rays of the sun. They even put themselves in a position to directly receive the sun’s gaze. You could say they are always looking on the bright side of things. This represents the joy and optimism in your life.
However, we all know the sun doesn’t always shine brightly. Sometimes it’s gloomy and rain comes pouring down. How can a sunflower still thrive then? Well, Sunflowers are known to be extremely resilient and have the ability to endure the most intense conditions. They have the strength and bravery to push through undesirable and stagnant circumstances, like the former. This represents the resilience, strength, and bravery deep within you.
Additionally, this is a very spiritual flower. They have an infectious energy that brings people to recognize its unique beauty and they are not afraid to show it off. This represents the courage it takes to be your authentic self and to empower you to step into your truth.
Sunflowers are the guiding light in times of darkness, uncertainty, self-doubt, and hopelessness. They look on the bright side of things and are also willing to endure the storm which enables them to come out stronger. Like the sun, a sunflower is a ray of light, hope, and joy so even when the world seems too dark, they both continue to shine.
The perspective
Most people focus on what’s going wrong rather than what’s going right which may lead people to ask themselves “why is this happening to me”. This is described as a victim mentality, often categorized as one blaming their life challenges and unhappiness on other people or outside forces instead of looking within. Most people will never feel authentic joy when they consistently play the victim.
We know the sunflower prefers to look on the “bright side” of things. What is good in your current circumstance? Let’s change the “what’s happening to me” question to “what’s actually happening for me”. Find the positives, the good, the things that you are grateful for to lift you up. By focusing on that bright side it can help you live a happier life.
However, we know a sunflower doesn’t always live a ‘rainbows and sunshine’ type of life. It’s possible that the hurt, sadness, pain, etc. is still there even when we focus on the positive. We can’t simply dismiss it. It’s important to recognize the pain, let yourself feel it, and then work on letting it go. Sounds easier than it is, I know, I went through it myself.
Overall, It’s a perspective that realizes that the pain doesn’t just disappear overnight. However, when you choose to look at it as a valuable life lesson and get real with yourself and others (the bright side) the process will be easier.
In doing this you prove to yourself how strong and resilient you can be because you are living in your truth, being 100% you. Who knows you could be helping someone who went through the same thing as you later in life.
Applying it
The Sunflower Perspective focuses on the idea that we all have a bit of sunflower energy in each of us. The strength, resilience, and bravery to push through when you feel your weakest and the power to realize the purpose of your pain. This perspective may take hard work to achieve but it is possible for anyone.
Therefore, this blog will focus on providing you a variety of sage articles, ranging from mental health to general wisdom on life. So, hopefully, you will learn to take on a new awareness of the brightness the world has to offer and the bright light that is already within you.
Sincerely,
Skylar Rae
*This is a self-made perspective that is not backed by research but comes from personal experience and my love for the sunflower meaning.
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