Dandelions are amazing and beautiful plants! It’s not until we learn they are a weed that our perspective changes. Up to that point they are gorgeous, plentiful and fun. As a kid you’d gather bunches of them and give them to your mom in the most delightful bouquet ever! We’d even make crowns, bracelets and necklaces by interlocking the stems and leaves. I remember vividly taking the full, round, perfect geodesic dome and blowing as hard as I can to see the “little parachutes” fly through the air.
Then it all changed. We’re told that the tenacious flower is just a weed and that no one really wants a bouquet of weeds. We’re further told NOT to blow the funny little paratroopers into the air because the weed will spread and end up everywhere - and no one wants that, either.
The Exercise…
What would the world be like if you had never been told or learned that dandelions are unwanted and unwelcome weeds? Answer the following questions:
What would you do with dandelions?
Are there any untapped markets?
What are the potential benefits or uses for dandelions?
How might you view them differently from today?
What would you tell your children about dandelions?
Would you still be so eager to pull them up by their roots – poison them – kill them?
Reflection: What else have you been told or learned that has impacted the way you see and/or interact the world? For many of us, in order to become adults – child-like beliefs must die. What would be available to you if you rekindled you inner-child?
Positives of the Dandelion: We’re suggesting that dandelions are not all bad. In fact, we assert that being more like a dandelion can have a tremendous impact on who we are as people and how we live our lives. Here are a few adjectives that can be used to describe dandelions:
Comforting
Tenacious
Pretty
Resilient
Efficient
Persistent
Crafty
Effective multipliers
Natural
Hearty
Cunning
Adaptable
Ample
Flexible
Useful
Abundant
Connected
Bright
Colorful
Thought-provoking