In the times like this…

In the times like this, when spring is here in all its magic and beauty, in all its bloom…I come to the botanical garden in Lund, my favourite place of rest and contemplation. Inspired this time by the exhibition In Bloom at Fotografiska in Stockholm. Inspired by big questions still unanswered although raised by this exhibition. Our relationship with Nature and how it reflects our nature. The indigenous people in Mexico had the word for skin which also meant the outer layer of the earth. They never felt any separation from the earth. We, on the other hand, feel more and more separated and until we start seeing the Nature not as the environment in need of protection and conservation – like my botanical garden – but as reflection of ourselves, as our skin and flesh, we will continue failing and falling. We come to botanical gardens not only for the aesthetic reasons but to feel good about ourselves, to feel the best of us. In the times like this when it is so difficult to feel good about ourselves, when missiles fly day and night over Europe (and many other places) and Nature in bloom is being destroyed along with people, it is very hard to find hope but it is possible to reflect upon the lessons that nature teaches us every day. It is about being grounded, knowing your roots, trusting other (trees – read people), solidarity and perseverance.