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Botanical Musing Meditation: Second Bloom Blessing (Gift), Brain Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
Second Bloom Blessing (Gift): May you trust that your most radiant flowering often comes not in youth's first burst but in the deeper wisdom of your second chances, your renewed beginnings, your return to growth after periods of seeming dormancy. May you recognize that what feels like starting over is arriving at a richer, more sustainable expression of who you've always been meant to become.
Botanical Observation: Many perennials like the Bearded Iris + Roses experience a phenomenon called "second bloom" or "remontant flowering"—after their initial spring display, they gather strength through summer's heat + surprise gardeners with an even more vibrant flowering in late summer or fall. These second blooms often produce stronger stems, richer colors, and more resilient flowers than the first flush.
There is hope in this natural cycle of renewed flowering. The plant's second bloom isn't a consolation prize for missing spring's peak—it's often the most spectacular display of the entire growing season, informed by everything the plant learned during its first flowering and strengthened by weathering summer's challenges.
Your journey understands this rhythm intimately. Perhaps you're discovering your gifts later than others expected, or finding your voice after years of silence, or blooming into confidence after seasons of doubt + adaptation.
Neuroscience tells us that neuroplasticity—our brain's ability to form new connections + adapt—continues throughout our lives, often accelerating during periods of significant change or challenge.
For neurodivergent brains + bodies, what might look like "late blooming" is the natural unfolding of gifts that needed time, understanding, and the right conditions to emerge fully. Your second bloom isn't delayed development—it's mature flowering that carries the wisdom of everything that came before.
Blessing in Hebrew: Berakah (beh-rah-KHAH) - literally means "to kneel." In ancient contexts, kneeling to present a gift symbolized offering something valuable with honor + humility. This imagery suggests that blessings flow from a heart posture of generosity + abundance.
Blessing in Ghanaian Twi: Nhyira (N-yih-RAH) - is both a noun + a verb, meaning "blessing" or "to bless." It is seen as a robust invocation of divine favor that brings prosperity, peace, joy, and hope to individuals + communities. Beyond personal wellbeing, the belief is that blessings are meant to be shared + multiplied within the community.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
Just as plants often produce their most magnificent flowers in their second bloom, you, too, may be approaching or experiencing your season of renewed flowering—richer, stronger, and more beautiful because of everything you've weathered + learned.
What aspects of yourself are blooming now that couldn't have emerged earlier in your life?
In your personal tending, honor the timing of your unfolding without comparing it to yours or others' first blooms. Perhaps you're finding your creative voice after years of believing you weren't a writer or an artist, or discovering your leadership abilities after being told you were "too different" to lead. What would it feel like to celebrate this second bloom as perfect timing rather than delayed achievement?
In our collective tending, imagine communities that understand + celebrate the beauty of second blooms—recognizing that some of the most valuable contributions come from those who flower later, deeper, and intensely because of their unique journey. What if we created spaces that honored late bloomers, career changers, and those whose gifts emerge through non-traditional timelines? When we tend gardens that welcome flowering in all seasons, we cultivate environments where everyone's timing can be recognized + celebrated.
Brain Health Awareness Month Benediction: May every blessing (berakhah / nhyira) flow freely—from reverence, from grace, from the deep well of God's generosity—reminding you that your brain + being are sacred gifts worthy of love + care every single day.
Amen + Asé ♡
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
Featured Gift Set SOULution
The Workspace Gift Set - Nourish your mind + workspace with this thoughtfully designed, succulent-themed gift set.
Why This Set? Every item in this set is chosen to create a workspace that supports your mental clarity, creativity, emotional regulation, and daily peace + play. Fabulous for Brain Health Awareness Month (and beyond), it’s a beautiful way to honor the connection between your environment and your wellbeing.
What’s Included + How Each Item Supports Brain Health:
Whimsical Respiratory-Sensitive Paint Can Candle (8 oz., hand-poured, wood wick, non-toxic): The gentle, non-toxic fragrance + soft crackle of the wood wick create a calming atmosphere, helping to manage stress and support mindful work-play + relaxation.
Pre-Planted Fresh Mini Succulent: Having a living plant at your desk has been shown to lower stress, boost mood, and improve focus. The act of caring for a plant also nurtures a sense of self-tending + connection to nature.
Affirmation Phone Stand: This daily visual reminder keeps your phone upright + your spirit uplifted. Positive affirmations are proven to support emotional wellbeing, essential for brain health.
4 x 6 in, 50-Sheet Sticky Notepad: Jotting quick notes, ideas, or gratitude lists by hand stimulates cognitive function, enhances memory, and helps organize thoughts—supporting both creativity + mindfulness.
Faux Feather Pen: Writing by hand with a unique pen can make note-taking more enjoyable, encouraging creative thinking + providing a tactile break from screens.
Color + Journal™ 'Thank You' Card + Envelope: Expressing gratitude + reflecting on meaningful relationships is linked to improved mood + cognitive wellbeing. The card’s message + succulent coloring activity offer a mindful pause + a nourishing soul care reminder:
Front of postcard: “Thank you, you stuck it out with me, I’m forever grateful." Back: blank Back quote: “Like the life of a cactus, it blooms at night to conserve water + energy. This is a soul care reminder that blooming is about a grace pace, not performance."
Soil Moisture Stick Sensor: This simple tool makes caring for your succulent effortless, reinforcing daily rituals + the satisfaction of nurturing life—routines that can ground you + support sabbathing rhythms.
Free Gift Wrapping Included: A beautifully wrapped gift elevates the experience, signaling that your well-being is worthy of celebration.
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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