Dandelions

The park appeared to be ready for a picnic; nature having

spread a glorious, soft blanket of dandelions so profuse they were almost obscuring the grass. It was a delight to walk amidst them. I noticed a mother and small child sitting in the middle of the field, each filling a basket with the sunny blooms. I smiled and asked what they were going to do with them and the mother replied that she was going to dry them and make tea. I nodded my head and said ‘Enjoy’ and I carried on with my walk.

I thought back to my childhood when we would see people, from cultures different from our own, harvesting dandelions and we would laugh at them for gathering weeds. Didn’t they know they were weeds? We were sure that dandelions were not for eating! I had also heard that people might be making wine with them – another no-no as alcohol was not allowed in our household. These people were judged. I thought they were wrong on all counts and we were right – dandelions had no place here, and certainly no place on our lawns. The only responsible thing to do was to spread poison to rid ourselves of the offending ‘flower’ or dig them up for the trash.

I cringe when I think of this now. But I was young and largely ignorant of other cultures, of nature, and of the goodness and use of so much of this bountiful earth! I lacked understanding, knowledge, and grace. (And most likely the ones picking the dandelions were shaking their heads at us for killing and disposing of the useful and delicious plants!) Just as I have grown in understanding and acceptance of people and cultures and viewpoints different from mine, I also continue to learn about this beautiful earth that I am privileged to explore.

As you’ve probably already seen on the internet, dandelions have many purposes. For the earth they are natural aerators, fertilizers and their deep roots draw up nutrients to neighbouring plants. Also they nourish the bumble bees, beetles, birds and butterflies and they are good for us to eat fresh, fried or dried – in salads, soups and stews, and in dog food – providing many vitamins, minerals and protein. As a tea they help with inflammation, cholesterol, liver function, colds, and detoxing. You can infuse sweet delicious dandelions into vinegar and oils; and make healing balms and salves from the oil too. You can make honey and, of course, sweet wine.

So I have learned much about the common dandelion and its uses. And today as I thought of my childhood views of the dandelion it reminds me of the lessons in humanity that I have learned from them. Lessons that we all need to keep learning. It is so easy for us to judge others and believe ourselves to have the only valid viewpoint. It is always better to be open, questioning, curious – not judgmental – then we will gain knowledge, understanding, hopefully compassion, and maybe even discover commonality. It is too easy to cut something down with perceived superiority over it. The thing you want to get rid of might have untold value, and the people you want silence or ignore may have legitimate viewpoints and knowledge different from yours. Things and people have intrinsic value, worth – if we take the time to look and listen. To be become better people, and a better society that is moving forward, we must keep growing in knowledge, understanding, and grace. But the posture of our minds to be open or closed; and the choice of how we act and respond are always ours - yours and mine. Every moment.

Today the dandelion reminded me that I want to be the one sharing tea, honey and wine. I don’t want to be the one spreading poison.