Simone Biles, has brought mental health to the attention of the world, and what it means to care for yourself first. As I read what she says, and try to imagine the pressure she is facing, her courage in stepping back is astounding. It also brings up a deep parallel passion of mine, the way in which flowers and floral design can be used as a form of therapy.
Study after study has shown that being in the presence of flowers and plants can improve your mood, energy and relaxation levels, as well as aide in anxiety, depression, stress, and even PTSD.
Photo by Emily Alyssa Photography
Though I am not a licensed medical professional, I can testify to having first hand experience of these benefits, and am convinced that this more than anything is the reason I became a floral designer, out of a need to heal myself.
When I was 8, my mom was first diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and for the next 9 years, chaos ensued. Though this was not her fault, it did have very deep and lasting repercussions. Being of somewhat an old school mentality, my parents thought my sister and I were fine, and we did not receive the benefit of talk therapy. We were kept busy with activities, and encouraged to just keep moving.
Interestingly enough, my sister became a neuroscientist specializing in sleep disorders and is currently involved in the foundation of Akin Mental Health, and I became a florist, helping myself and others through the power of botanicals. It is each our own way of creating order and taking control of an illness that at the best of times can only be managed.
Like my sister, I have a deep interest in psychology, healing, and trauma. This interest has lead me to read many books on the topic, the most influential being “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD and most recently “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing” by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry. In each of these books, the “AH HA!” moment came when they spoke about the way a moving body, and in particular repetitive movements can help to soothe the brain on a cellular and neurological level. In other words, or as I understand it, when physical repetition takes over so does healing and re-wiring. Floral design is all about repetitive movements.
Photo: By Jacqui Photography
When looking at the darkest times in my life I can divide them into two categories, before floral design and after. Before floral design when I felt anxiety, depression, or despair, I turned to external escapes. Needless to say, this was not a solution, but rather just the beginning of a downward spiral. Since finding floral design, it has kept my brain and body pacified during moments of equal emotional excitement. There was a time not too long ago, that could easily be described as one of the top 5 most painful moments of my life, and it coincided simultaneously with the biggest and most technologically challenging event of my career. I think most people of other professions would have cracked facing the same pressures, but because I had flowers and repetitive movement, I was able to not only get through the event, but thrive at it.
Photo: Emily Alyssa Photography
As I mentioned above, I am not a therapist or any kind of medical professional, but I really do believe in the fundamental power of flowers and repetitive physical movement. In my own opinion, I think if you are a person who struggles with anxiety, PTSD, or depression, working with flowers and incorporating floral design into your treatment plan could be of great benefit to you. I am not suggesting to replace any current treatment that is working, or to solely use flowers as a form of therapy, but rather to use it in conjunction. Classes are always nice, but they need not be expensive or formal, the point is not to be a great designer, but to use the repetitive motion of design and the flowers themselves to help ease symptoms. There are plenty of free options on YouTube including this one of me demonstrating how to design using grocery store flowers.
There are also some fantastic individuals who are working in this field. Two of my favorites are Ponderosa and Thyme and Floral Healing Therapy. One other thing to consider, if floral design is not for you, studies have shown that walking and talking in nature, can also have many therapeutic effects. In fact, there is a Japanese name for this, Shinrin-yoku and you can check out my blog on it here.
As we continue to live further and further away from nature, and are more and more surrounded by screens and concrete, I believe floral wellness is going to be huge. Why not be ahead of the curve, and start exploring how its benefits make you feel now.