Whenever my mind is spinning and cluttered with busy thoughts, it takes everything to sit down and make something. But once my hands are in the dirt and arranging flowers, a stillness and peace wash over me. My mind quiets. My heart opens.

It’s like this with meditation, too. It’s overcoming that initial resistance that ultimately leads to spaciousness and clarity. I created this in remembrance of my meditation teacher Mark. Saturday was the 3-year anniversary of his passing, as symbolized by three pink petals. The red and white rose petals signify how grief and love are intertwined.

If the flowers are wilted by tomorrow and some petals have been blown away, was making this piece of art worth it? If the ones we love won’t be here forever and one day they’re gone, was loving them worth it?

The answer is YES. Always, yes.