When I watch dandelion seeds drifting away, I think of what we pass on to others. Something begins a journey we can no longer follow, yet we helped it begin.
A single sentence, a single gesture, or even a thoughtful encounter can live on in someone’s memory. Not necessarily in the way we imagined, and we may never hear about it.
What we leave behind
When I think of our memories, it is not just the major events that come to mind. Sometimes it is simply a fleeting moment of attention or a well-timed remark that stays with us.
The image of the dandelion invites me to realise that even what I do as a seemingly small gesture matters. I don’t need to make a big impact to be truly present in an encounter.
The question is, what do we pass on through our presence? Attention or indifference, encouragement or humiliation, freedom or constant expectations?
The seed and the soil in which it is sown
In the parable of the sower in the Gospel of Matthew, the seeds fall in various places: by the wayside, on stony ground, amongst thorns, and on good soil; not all of them bear fruit (Matthew 13:3–9, World English Bible, British Edition). The explanation of the story also distinguishes between hearing the word, receiving it, and allowing it to take root and bear fruit (Matthew 13:18–23, World English Bible, British Edition).
For me, this is where the biblical image intersects with the dandelion. It is not enough simply to say something; the way in which, and the context in which, the other person encounters it also matters.
What may be a liberating realisation for me right now might still raise too many questions, or entirely different ones, for someone else. Passing this on with love therefore does not mean that I have to convince everyone.
Rather, I need to be mindful of this: what does the person standing before me really need? Are they asking for advice, or would simply listening to them be the best way to help right now?
The seeds of love
In my own spiritual outlook, the expression of love means more than just a rule about behaving kindly. It can also express something of our connection to the common Source, even in a completely everyday situation.
When I speak of ‘abundance of love’, I am referring primarily to the care, encouragement and love we show one another. I am not promising any material gain.
The teaching we pass on is not valuable simply because the other person follows us in everything. It may well be that it only truly comes to life within them when they are able to ask their own questions and take their own steps.
Letting go of what’s already on its way
In the image of the dandelion, letting go is present alongside passing on. Love does not possess what it sets in motion: we can give something without demanding that the other person follow the course we have imagined.
Perhaps that is enough to make us look at our next small action in a different light. What sort of life might spring from what I am now passing on to another, if they are given the space to do so?
With love,
Georgina
Soul4you