Flowers Uplift Your Ch'i in Times of Sadness

Helping set up for my dear mother-in law's funeral service, and selecting the perfect flowers to represent her, I reflected on the significance of flowers at memorials, funerals, celebrations of life, as well as the tradition of bringing flowers to people who are ill. 

It is no wonder that flowers are chosen for these occasions, because they are known to be the quintessential Ch’i enhancers. They provide us with the beauty and wonder of nature and help us stay connected and grounded to the natural world. They are said to have a spiritual significance, and have always been used to symbolize the life cycle from birth to death. They represent not only love, and sympathy but also eternity and immortality. A person’s life is symbolized by the fragility of a flower, where proper conditions are necessary for them to grow and blossom.

 

Flowers also create a background of warmth and beauty, adding to the dignity and consolation of the funeral service.

Losing a loved one is difficult. When you wish to provide comfort to those who are grieving, sending flowers can help brighten this somber time and let them know they are not alone. It is a means of expression. Since it can be difficult for those in mourning to put their feelings into words, flowers can act as an expression of love, comfort, sympathy, and respect.

Just like everything in Feng Shui flowers can uplift the Ch’i if beautiful and healthy. My mother-in-law loved the color purple; therefore, the family chose flowers we knew she would love.  They used the beauty of nature to paint a palette of colorful enhancements for her transition.

When she was ill, friends and family filled her room with vibrant flowers, which are used to help activate good health. 

Working with flowers over the years I have felt the calming, peaceful effect they have on the nervous system.  Surround yourself, and your loved one with flowers and you’ll soon  feel the positive, uplifting effect. 

The pictures here are all the beautiful arrangements at my mother-in-law's funeral, with the exception of the last one which I had sent to my uncle's funeral in Italy. (He also liked the color purple.)