Fiorire

Flourishing means that a living thing is thriving while it is growing and developing.  Depending on the organism and the type of environment, certain characteristics are imperative for successful flourishing; and can lead to populations of organisms, like bacteria, vigorously increasing in healthy numbers.  Organisms flourish also due to the ability of physical and behavioral adaptations. Darwin referred to this ability with his description of natural selection. The lack of adaptation can lead to an inability to flourish and to the elimination of organisms.

When applying flourishing; and the same adaptive characteristics and survival behavior to a relationship between spiritual beings; it is found that relationships are naturally resilient.  In an ecosystem, resilience is the ability of the particular area to return its original state after being disturbed.  In physics, resilience is the amount of potential energy stored in an elastic material when deformed.  Keeping these ideas in mind, relationships should be able to recover from tragedy, toxic behavior, sorrow, pain, loss, selfishness, disappointments
......etc....., but sometimes the pressure and stress has been so great that there is not enough potential energy to transform a relationship into a forward positive motion. There may not be enough kinetic energy or other resources to return to the original relationship status.

In bagpipe bands, the tenor drum section has a knack for flourishing.  This traditional skill of the tenor drummers has evolved over the years to become bold and extravagant gestures or actions to add a unique touch to the band's sights and sound during a performance or competition.  Participants in a troubled relationship may attempt the same type of bold actions, but it may not be enough to attract the attention of the other involved parties that the ship is about to sink.  Despite any bleak outlook or lame gestures, though, there is always hope.......hope in that good will come out of the struggle even though the outcome is not what we had planned.  Have courage because God's mercy may just be around the corner.  Expect it.

Flourishing requires the ability to see and accept unseen outcomes.  Opening the mind to other possibilities or scenarios which are beyond our current perspective or logic.  Faith involves stepping out and walking forward as two dear friends recommend.   Trusting with each step that the next step will be under your foot to catch and guide you. Some call it blind faith.  For survival, tough decisions may have to be made.  No matter what direction your flourishing takes you.....no matter what decisions you are led to make.... bounce back and survive.....Enjoy life!.....Be happy!....That's what flourishing is all about......je, je, je.... :-)  

St. Francis de Sales, pray for my patience.

St. Therese the little flower, pray for my humility.
St. Raphael, pray for those who travel.
Mother Mary, please take my prayers for Bernardette's healing to your son, Jesus.

St. Florian, pray for the safety of firefighters and emergency responders.
St. Pio, pray for my healing.
St. Elizabeth Seton, pray for all teachers.  -Amen.

-little petunia