Who do you need to see today?

I have this book called “The Illustrated Herbiary” by Maia Toll, which I pull out from time to time and let it lead my day. Sometimes, it gives me a good reminder and sometimes, it teaches me something, but all times, I get something really good from it.

I usually just randomly choose an herb, flower, or plant to read about and reflect on during the day. The book itself has a little information about the herb, then a little ritual/activity to do with it, followed by a reflection.

Today I choose Nettle. This isn’t the first time. It seems to come back to me often and so I know it is a reminder I need. According to the book, “Nettle says, ‘See Me.'” The author goes on to remind us to see the people around us. To notice and acknowledge each person we come into contact with as “unique individuals.”

I have a tendency to hide away. I can be a total loner. Sometimes, I really have to force myself out to be with other people. Sometimes, even when I’m with other people, I tend to stay in my head, and I have to force myself into the conversation. That’s rough on me, especially if the people I’m with are similar and don’t really talk… then I become an overshare-r and talk waaayyy too much!

Anyway, I had an errand to run this morning after reading about nettle and I found myself once again in my head, closed off, but as I was checking out and leaving, I made the effort to speak first to the person at the self-checkout and also to the greeter at the door. They seemed genuinely surprised in such a good way! They both paused a moment, like are you speaking to me? And then both replied kindly.

I imagine that people in those positions just get in automatic mode. I imagine that they aren’t always treated very kindly and probably often don’t get the best of people.

The book says, “Nettle asks, ‘Who has become invisible to you?'” I’m hoping no-one is truly invisible to me but I’m sure there are those who I pay little attention to and I need to do better. Everyone deserves a kind word and a smile, no matter how I’m feeling.

Who do you need to see, truly see with eyes and heart wide open, today?