The wild wonders in your own backyard

[Weedy Wonders]( One person’s weed is another person's wildflower. Simply expressed, a weed is any plant that grows where it isn’t wanted. Weeds are defined by their tendency to flourish at the expense of a gardener’s overall vision, and we tend to battle their presence in our yards. It is interesting to consider, though, that a plant is a weed only within a certain context, which is to say that one person’s weed is another person’s wildflower. Most of us have pulled at least one dandelion up by its roots and disposed of it in the interest of preserving the look of a perfect green lawn, yet the dandelion is good medicine, packed with healing properties and vitamin-rich leaves that are a delicious, spicy surprise in a summer salad. In the wild, there is no such thing as a weed because the overall vision is in the hands of Mother Nature, who accommodates and incorporates all forms of life. In nature, balance is achieved over the long term, without the aid, or interference, of a human supervisor. While one plant may prevail over others for a certain period of time, eventually it will reach an apex and then it will naturally decline, allowing for other forms to be born and survive. This self-regulating realm was the first garden of our ancestors, who learned the art of agriculture from studying the forests and fields of the as yet uncultivated earth. In a sense, weeds are harbingers of this wildness, pushing their way into our well-ordered plots, undermining more delicate flora, and flourishing in spite of us. The next time you see a weed, you might want to look deeply into its roots, discover its name, its habits, and its possible uses. Instead of seeing an unwanted intruder, you might see a healer offering its leaves for a medicinal tea or its flowers for a colorful salad. At the very least, if you look long enough, you will see a messenger from the wilderness of Mother Earth, reminding you that, even in the most carefully controlled garden, she cannot be completely ruled out. [PRINT](  [SAVE](  [DISCUSS](  --------------------------------------------------------------- DailyOM Course Spotlight [Unhinge Your Hips and Hamstrings]( by Sarah Rector Like most people, you may be sitting for 4 or more hours in a day, which typically causes the hip flexors to tighten up and leads to lower back problems. Although this issue is more prevalent, the good news is that it is super easy and highly beneficial to learn a few simple stretching exercises that will strengthen these often neglected muscles. With this course, you'll get all of the most effective hips and hamstrings stretching solutions you need to alleviate the pain and get moving with ease. With only 15 minutes of gentle effort, you will see and feel the results! [Learn More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. [The Japanese Art of Happy Money]( 2. [Tone and Tighten Your Tummy]( 3. [Shedding Your Menopausal Middle in 10 Days]( 4. [Fascia Flows to Free Your Body]( 5. [A Year of Writing to Uncover the Authentic Self]( 6. [Somatic Exercises to Relax and Release]( 7. [How to Parent Like A Buddhist]( 8. [Shakti Warrior Dance for Healing]( 9. [A Year to Clear What is Holding You Back!]( 10. [Narcissistic Relationships - From Surviving to Thriving]( New Courses • [Fascia Flows to Free Your Body]( • [Resistance Band Workout Anytime, Anywhere]( • [Somatic Exercises to Relax and Release]( • [Awaken Your Chakra Energy]( > [More Courses]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Home]( | [Inspiration]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( [Email Settings]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Help/FAQ]( ©2022 [Everyday Health, Inc](. All rights reserved. DailyOM is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. 114 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10011 Subscribed as {EMAIL}