Seeds are “nature’s suitcase.” They protect and nourish the plant embryo. They are adapted to dispersal by wind, water, animals and many germinate under unique conditions, like exposure to fire. People, like seeds, are unique in their appearance and growing instructions. This activity is one of my favorites I developed for my program. Any person at any age can participate and it can go hand in hand with an extensive lesson on seeds, or stand alone as an activity to cultivate self-awareness. The objective of the activity is to discover the unique and individual conditions under which people, like seeds, germinate, grow, mature, and blossom. The activity only requires the simple materials of a variety of seed packets, blank paper, and colored pencils or markers. However, the addition glitter, stickers, and photos cut from old magazines is also encouraged!
Activity 1 – Choose a seed packet that “speaks to you” and write down why you chose it.
Activity 2 – Open your seed packet. Notice the color, size, shape and texture of your seeds. Draw a picture of your seed. If you are participating in this activity with others, observe each others seeds and notice how they are alike and different.
Activity 3 – Seed packets contain all the information one needs to plant, germinate, grow, and harvest a plant from seed successfully. Examine your seed packet and find the following information for your seed:
- Name of plant
- Visual of plant
- Description of plant, including uses
- Sunlight requirements
- Planting instructions including soil type, spacing, and depth
- Sowing time, both indoors and outdoors, USDA Zone Map
- Time to germination
- Time to harvest
Activity 4: Design Your Own Seed Packet
On a piece of paper, design your own seed packet. What are your “growing instructions?” What do people around you need to know to help to nourish and protect you? Under what conditions will you germinate, grow, and blossom?
Information to include:
- Plant variety – your name
- Visual of plant – a self portrait; it can be a true self-portrait, or how you visualize yourself if you were a plant.
- Planting instructions – favorite food, activities, routines; what makes you feel strongly rooted in your life so you may grow strong?
- Sunlight requirements – What “lights you up,” or brings you joy? Are you full sun, life of the party, or do you need time alone in the shade? Are you an introvert or extrovert? What is your passion? What are your hobbies?
- Time to harvest – What are your goals? What is your vision? How do you see yourself when you blossom and produce the fruits of your labor, centered in your authentic, best life?
This activity encourages us to look inward and examine the experiences that truly cultivate joy. Re-engaging in this activity at the beginning and ending of a “growing season” helps us to observe and adjust our requirements for growth, recognize what we need to nourish our life and grow closer to the blossoming of our dreams, and celebrate the fruits that burst forth while tending our heart and soul with persistent love, kindness, compassion, and self-acceptance as we stand fully in the garden of our best life.