how to help the orchid bloom

drench the bark that surrounds your orchid’s roots once a week

sip coffee with sugar and cream by a window

don’t rot the orchid’s roots, let it know thirst

curl in fetal position around your cat or pillow every morning,

drink in the comfort

each morning say “good morning orchid”

read books that challenge and enrich your imagination

recite said books to your orchid, it would love to hear your voice

listen to the seagulls outside of your window;

the ocean waves from cars and buses

mist the orchid’s exposed roots once every day

when you become thirsty seek water

when your neck becomes stiff, rub it like you would a lover’s

call your loved ones back, even if it takes you a while

when your orchid doesn’t bloom for years, don’t throw it away

flowering will happen one day

notice the glow around the moon

watch cartoons and nurture the child that’s still inside of you

let you

be you

let yourself cry whole heartedly; but don’t force it

forgive yourself everyday for your shortcomings

no really, forgive yourself

and most importantly let yourself feel joy, no matter how small

let yourself feel gratitude;

try to, even, when there seems to be nothing to thank

and the orchid will feel it

the fruit flies will feel it

the black mold in the bathroom will feel it

even the neighbors yapping chihuahua will feel it

subtly, the world will have changed

relish these moments of feeling the essence of blossoming

make a habit of remembering these moments, of returning to them

remember that the blossoming begins inside a seed’s shell

remember that flowering is often slow, and comes in cycles

remember too that the leaves and the dirt have their own kind of beauty

kiss the orchid’s flower

opening from what was once nothing

press it gently to your chest

and feel the mirror of the world