Resurrection Fern

Since moving to the Lowcountry, Tim and I have been introduced to many new types of flora during our wanderings through the winding trails and forest paths. One such plant is the so called Resurrection Fern. This is an epiphytic plant, which means that it grows on top of other plants or trees, often live oaks, without taking any water or nutrients from them, and it reproduces by spores and not seeds. Losing 75-90% of its water during dry spells, this fern turns brownish gray and shrivels up, but as soon as the rains come, it immediately resurrects, becoming a lush green once again. It does not completely die when it is not fed, but it also is not fully living.

Just like the Resurrection Fern, we sometimes find ourselves in a dry spell. When we are not ‘feeding’ our needs, we may start to feel there is little color or richness in our lives. Things may seem gray and blah and we just want to shrivel up. In those times, if we can remember that like the Resurrection Fern when water is poured into it, the moment we begin to pour some love and life into our souls, we will once again start to ‘green up’ and become more of our authentic, vibrant, beautiful selves.

What might that look like? Maybe it is as simple as going outside, walking with a friend, writing in a journal, exercising, drinking water, eating a healthy snack, breathing deeply, putting your phone down, trying to be mindful in the moments, listening to podcasts, fixing dinner for a neighbor, reading a book, baking cookies for someone, or reconnecting with an old friend. There are so many ways to pour new life into ourselves and into others. How will you fill your cup today?