Language of Flowers in the Time of COVID, The: Finding Solace in Zen, Nature and Ikebana

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Zen Buddhist and ikebana practitioner Joan Stamm was unable to travel to Japan to research a flower temple pilgrimage. Instead, she turned to her own flower garden for solace and meaning, using traditional Japanese flowers as seasonal indicators to explore ancient flower metaphor and the manifestations of impermanence in one of the most tumultuous years in American history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2023
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread from Asia to North America, Zen Buddhist and ikebana practitioner Joan Stamm was forced to cancel her long-anticipated trip to Japan, where she had planned to research a flower temple pilgrimage and learn the deeper meaning of flowers known as "little Buddhas." However, with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, Stamm, who lives on a mountain on an island in the Salish Sea, sequestered herself like a hermit and turned to her own flower garden for solace and meaning as the pandemic engulfed the world around her.

The Language of Flowers in the Time of COVID tells the story of Stamm's life and spiritual journey through these difficult times. Using traditional Japanese flowers as seasonal indicators, Stamm speaks the poetic language of flowers to explore ancient flower metaphor as it relates to the pandemic and the many manifestations of impermanence in one of the most tumultuous years in American history.

As the pandemic spread, Stamm found herself confined to her home on the mountain, surrounded by the beauty of her flower garden. She began to notice the intricate patterns and colors of the flowers, and she began to see them as symbols of resilience and hope. She used the traditional Japanese flower arrangement known as ikebana to create intricate and beautiful displays that spoke to the themes of impermanence and resilience.

One of the most significant aspects of Stamm's work is her use of traditional Japanese flowers as seasonal indicators. She believes that the flowers can tell us a lot about the current season and the state of the world around us. For example, she notes that the cherry blossom is a symbol of renewal and hope, while the chrysanthemum is a symbol of strength and resilience.

Stamm also explores the deeper meaning of flowers known as "little Buddhas." These flowers are small and delicate, but they are also incredibly powerful. They are often used in meditation and spiritual practice to help practitioners connect with their inner selves and find inner peace. Stamm believes that these flowers can also help us understand the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present moment.

Through her work, Stamm hopes to inspire others to find solace and meaning in the natural world during these difficult times. She believes that the language of flowers can be a powerful tool for connecting with our inner selves and with each other, and she hopes that her work will help to promote greater understanding and compassion for all living beings.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for many people, but it has also been an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. Zen Buddhist and ikebana practitioner Joan Stamm has used the language of flowers to explore ancient flower metaphor as it relates to the pandemic and the many manifestations of impermanence in one of the most tumultuous years in American history. Through her work, Stamm hopes to inspire others to find solace and meaning in the natural world and to promote greater understanding and compassion for all living beings.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803411903