The magical space of the feminine is a healing space. The gardenia symbolizes purity, love and refinement, often considered feminine qualities.
When someone gives you gardenias, it’s a way of saying, “You are lovely.” The gardenia has a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that captivates. Its creamy white flowers contrast elegantly against its shiny dark green leaves.
Gardenias love heat and humidity. They must have these conditions, which for some flowers would be adverse, to thrive. This is the strong feminine warrior at play, turning disadvantageous conditions into bountiful blooms.
Receptivity is a vital component of healing. When we receive a diagnosis of catastrophic illness, we tend to shut ourselves down and close ourselves off. But healing thrives when we are open to vitality and beauty. This is why I surround myself with beautiful things such as flowers, music, love and kindness—to remind myself to be receptive.
Just as it was crucial for me to nurture masculine qualities that bolstered my inherent dignity and allowed me to walk tall, it was equally vital for me to embrace feminine qualities, such as giving myself private gentle time, bed rest after work, time alone to pray and connect with the divine—the universal divine and the divine that lives within all of us.
I knew that it was important for my healing that I do both. I wouldn’t have wanted to do one without the balancing effect of the other.
I experienced holding the magical space for the divine by allowing for the power of prayer throughout my cancer journey. Nurses, doctors and friends joined in praying with me and for me throughout the entire process. They gave me prayer cards, icons, rosary beads, medals of the Blessed Mother, a milagros cross and holy oil from the tomb of St. John. Rituals ensued using these most precious gifts with the most precious gift being the belief in miracles.
Gardenias remind us that while part of healing is about being proactive, positive and strong, the other necessary component is creating the space and capability to receive the healing power of kindness, sweetness and the bountiful nature of others.
The Gardenia Affirmation: I relish in the fragrant, magical space of kindness.
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