.png)
Botanical Musing Meditation: The Sunflower Courage Blessing (Gift), Brain Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
Sunflower Courage Blessing (Gift): May you acknowledge the sacred instinct within you that persistently turns toward what brings life + growth, even when others question your direction. May you find courage in your relentless seeking of light, knowing that your different way of navigating the world isn't stubbornness—it's wisdom following its truest compass.
Botanical Observation: A sunflower doesn't apologize for constantly turning its face toward the sun. This phenomenon, known as heliotropism, allows it to follow the light with steadfast commitment, becoming taller + stronger each day due to its consistent alignment. Even when clouds obscure the sun, the sunflower holds its position, trusting that the light will return.
There is profound courage in this daily practice of seeking what nourishes us. The sunflower doesn't question whether it should face east in the morning or west in the evening—it simply follows its cellular wisdom about what sustains life. Your neurodivergent mind possesses this same kind of courage. That persistent way you seek understanding, your refusal to accept surface-level explanations, your deep need to find meaning +d connection—this isn't overthinking, it's heliotropism of the soul.
What others might label as "hyperfocus" or "obsessive" is our brain's brilliant capacity for sustained attention when following our internal compass toward what truly matters. That gravitational pull to keep seeking, questioning, and turning towards the light of compassion, creativity, and courage—even when others suggest you should be satisfied with less—is your sustenance, not your struggle.
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 a sunflower never doubts its need to follow the light, you too can trust the persistent seeking that guides your growth, even when your path looks different from others'.
Besides the Light of God's love, what are some other "light sources" in your life that you naturally turn toward? These might be topics/projects that fascinate you, activities that energize you, or people who truly see + celebrate your authentic self.
In your personal tending, notice how your courage often shows up as persistent seeking rather than loud proclamation. Perhaps it's the way you keep researching until you truly understand, the patience you have for processes others rush through, or your refusal to settle for relationships or work that don't honor your full self. What if this determined turning toward what nourishes you is your deepest wisdom in action?
In our collective tending, imagine communities that celebrate the heliotropic courage of every member—especially those who seek light in different directions. What if schools and workplaces honored the neurodivergent gift of sustained focus and deep questioning? When we courageously cultivate gardens where diverse forms of seeking create a rich ecosystem of discovery + innovation, we will soak up all the soil-rich nutrients of connection.
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.
JOIN THE SOULJOURNER COLLECTIVE
Receive soul care wisdom + exclusive peace practices in your inbox. Enter your name + email to join our global community of intentional gift-givers.
