What your favorite Ojai plant says about you...

As you may have read in my tagline for Thimble and Seed; I believe in "A return to nature based rhythms and practices, by way of plant based wisdom and whimsy." And today's post is a little bit of that wisdom and whimsy melded together.

Recently I made a post on Instagram about a handful of Ojai plants and what their attributes seemingly evoked about someone who chose them as their favorite.

What I didn't share on social media was that I spent quite a long stretch of time sitting with my many notes and writings about these particular plants to try and imagine what they might be trying to share with us through their medicine, their energy, and my own personal interactions with them.

It was a practice in studying their actual attributes and then letting my intuitive creativity paint a deeper and more vibrant image of them. So, for those who don't have social media (or who missed the post); feel free to scroll down and play, "What does your favorite Ojai Plant say about you?" and then leave me a comment about which one drew you in. I'd love to hear what folks connect with!

(Click image to make it larger. Alt Text available for screen readers or also listed below.)

Matilija Poppy: You are absolutely dazzling darling! People are drawn to your light, your love, and your laughter. But behind that showy and gorgeously inviting exterior is a heart of resiliency. You are kind because you have been hurt; you laugh because you have shed tears; and you are strong because you have had to be. Your inner strength has been built over a lifetime of rooting into rocky soils and difficult circumstances. Beauty and strength find themselves both equally embodied within you.

California Poppy: You are pure sunshine and warmth. People feel better just being in your presence. And you always seem to know just what to say. You reflect back all the goodness and light you receive from the world; and help others to feel safe, held, and loved. You are the person people call when they are anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling; and your soothing energy helps to gently ground even the most chaotic moments.

Yarrow: You are the healer. You always have the words, the tools, and the time to show up with a nourishing meal, a needed tool, or a GoFundMe donation. You are the person who sees injustices and steps forward; medical bag, de-escalation techniques, and organizing skills in hand. You can not sit back and simply do nothing...you are the person who loves out loud through tangible action and engagement.

White Sage: You are the elder, the wisdom keeper, and the teacher. People look to you for the bigger picture questions. Your energy is captivating and powerful; and people are content to listen at your feet as you weave together story, history, and life lessons. Sometimes your teaching methods are bold and sharp and other times they are more subtle and unassuming. You are an essential piece of many landscapes, but must be wary of being over used or letting your ego run away with you.

Coastal Sagebrush: You are the playful one in the group. You are also the one who is always dressed up and ready for a night of fun! Just as the scent of this plant delights and dazzles the senses; you too are a wave of sensory delight; whether through your playful fashion sense, your unique sense of style, or your whimsical way of being...you are a whole experience! You relieve the pains of daily life through joy and whimsy! But, even though you are the life of the party; you must remember to find your own moments of rest and dormancy; or you may find your potency diminished.

California Peony: You are the quietly thoughtful and intentional type. You glean wisdom through silence, observation, and subtlety. Your wisdom runs deep; but rather than your words or your actions, people learn from you simply from being in your presence. The way you walk into a room, hold space for a pause, or how long you hold a hug speaks volumes. It takes very precise circumstances for you to emerge from your shell and open up; and even though you prefer solitude most times; you are always there and ready to emerge when most needed.