The Cosmos Flower and the Art of Letting Go

At certain times in life, we have to say goodbye to someone we care about, without knowing if we will ever see them again. This can be very painful and hard to accept, especially if the goodbye is sudden and unexpected.

There is a flower that can help us make sense of these difficult moments: the cosmos flower. Cosmos is a beautiful annual/perennial plant that blooms all over the northern half of South Africa for a few weeks each year, generally in mid/late March. The name “cosmos” comes from the Greek word for “order” or “universe” because the flower was thought to reflect the order and harmony of the universe.

The Cosmos has a very short lifespan and blooms brightly and then fades away quickly, leaving behind seeds that can grow into new flowers the next year. The flower does not cling to its existence or resist its fate; it simply enjoys its time in the sun and then gracefully let’s go.

This can inspire us to adopt a similar attitude when we face sudden goodbyes in our lives. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we can appreciate the present moment and cherish the time we have and the memories we have made. We can accept the reality of change and impermanence, and trust that life will bring us new opportunities and experiences. We can also hope that our goodbyes are not final, but rather temporary separations that will lead to joyful reunions someday.

Cosmos reminds us that life is beautiful but fleeting and that we should make the most of it while we can. It also reminds us that nothing can break the bond we share with the ones who have touched our lives. The next time you see a Cosmos, think of someone you miss and send them your love and gratitude. And remember that no matter how far apart you are, you are always connected by the harmony of the cosmos.

Sudden goodbyes are never easy, but they are not the end of the story. There is always hope for reconciliation and restoration if we keep our hearts open and our faith strong. There is always love that transcends time and space, if we remember those who matter most to us. And there is always beauty that surrounds us, as long as we look for it in nature and in each other.

• Sudden Goodbyes
• Cosmos Flower