Upside Down

  

I noticed that a huge bulge in the soil in one of my pots was still there.  All the other bulbs had emerged, so I was surprised to see that this one was still having trouble coming up.  I investigated and dug a bit.  To my surprise the bulb was fully emerged, only it was upside down.  The soil bulge was the flower trying to push the bulb out of the soil - an upside down process!  I gently pulled the whole thing out and there was a full hyacinth.  The leaves were yellow and the flower was colorless.  I decided to plant the bulb right side up and see what would happen. I made sure it had some extra room and watered it well, before our expected rainy spell this week. The flower hasn't been able to stand itself up yet, but color is emerging on the flower and the stem feels strong. I marvel at it each day... life finds a way. 

Out of habit, I look for the metaphor in this flower... sometimes our students, or ourselves, may seem (and be!) upside down, but growth is still happening. Some plants in my garden need a little redirection but some, such as this one, need a more serious intervention. An intervention grounded in curiosity, gentle hands and space to grow will support our students (and ourselves) to find their way and flourish.