We have a mirror in the foyer of our home that doesn’t lie. Natural light streams through the windows on either side of our nearby front door. So at any point during the day, this wall-mounted mirror precisely reflects every fine line, wrinkle, blemish, or stray/gray hair. Often when I glance in it I remember I need to invest in a better eye cream and a more effective whitening toothpaste. I notice things that are aging, out of place, or in need of attention. And some days, especially in the days following a bout with an illness, I see a reflection that reminds me how much good sleep, nutrition, and self-care matter.
That mirror changes the way I think and feel every time I walk by it.
What if there was something in the house that changed the way I think and feel for the better every time I walk by? Well, this week I heard some news about flowers that makes me want to put them in every room of the house. Apparently simply seeing them in our home—whether it be a single stem or a bouquet—can make us happier. Whether it’s the morning blah’s or the winter blues, flowers are scientifically proven to lift our mood.
In recent years, studies at both Harvard and Rutgers have shown that fresh cut flowers boost emotional health. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., a practicing psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, led one of the studies and noted:
“We know that flowers make people happy when they receive them. What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings—from compassion to worry. In all, our results suggest that flowers have a positive impact on wellbeing.”
They found that people who have flowers in their homes for a week {specifically in rooms where they see them first thing in the morning like a bedroom or kitchen} are less negative, worry less, and feel more compassion toward others.
Whereas walking by a mirror gives us something to fret about: our age, our laugh lines, and hairlines; walking by a vase of flowers simply gives us something to delight in. And a little delight sounds much better than doubt or despair.
My middle child loves long, hot showers. She delights in choosing the perfect background music and best smelling body wash for her nightly ritual. My oldest child loves dance. She looks forward to coming home after school, turning on her music, and learning some new routine or move. She tells us, “I just love how it makes me feel to dance.” Dancing is pure delight for her. My youngest child loves being outside. She is as happy as a lark if she’s perched in a tree with her notepad and some colored pencils. She delights in experiencing nature.
I can’t name a lot of things I allow myself to delight in as an adult. Most of the time when I walk in Trader Joe’s and see the floral section I talk myself out of buying the flowers. I think thoughts like, “I don’t guess we really need them this week,” or, “They’re just going to die, so I shouldn’t spend $7 on a bouquet today.” I can convince myself they are self-indulgent and serve no practical purpose. But maybe I’m getting this all wrong?
We had some single rose stems left over from Valentine’s Day that I placed in small containers in the girls’ bedrooms and in their bathroom. Surprisingly to me, every time I noticed them over the two weeks they survived I felt a tinge of delight. Even when I was flu and unsure if I was ever going to get well, I would walk by their room, see the flower, and think, “That’s really pretty. Spring is coming.” I’m often a skeptic about things of this nature, but I think the science might be right. And I think it might be worth the $3.99 or even the $6.99 price tag at Trader Joe’s next time I’m there—or you’re there—to continue testing this theory.
I’ve always liked the way Eugene Peterson phrases Philippians 4:8-9 in The Message:
“I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. … Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
Looking at flowers several times a day is surely one way to meditate on something beautiful. And acknowledging beauty is the first step to delighting in it.
So this weekend when we’re out stocking up on survival supplies in case of a coronavirus outbreak, we can buy the water, the masks, and the non-perishables.
But let’s buy some flowers, too.
You are RIGHT on! Flowers speak of God’s beauty in this sometimes ugly world! They speak of thoughtfulness. Bob sometimes brings flowers, Sometimes, just a Rose with Baby’s Breath! They just melt me down! It’s OK that they just last a few days. I keep watering them, changing water, use the little pack that increases their life… They are extravagant, because they are short-lived, but they speak volumes! Gone, but not forgotten! Like a lot of beautiful lives of friends, who have gone on! Sometimes the fleeting treasures are most important! Keekp on writing! You inspire all of us, Hollie!
(Love the differences in your girl’s preferences).!! Keeps life interesting–VERY interesting)!
I enjoy your writings. You are very gifted. Also you make people smile.