Discovering a New Plant: A Glimpse into Our Family’s Value System
Today, something rather ordinary turned into a profound moment of reflection on the value system that guides our family. One of my children stumbled upon a new plant during our usual outdoor exploration. What followed was a series of questions that revealed just how deeply our principles are ingrained in our everyday lives.
The very first question was, “Can we eat it?” In our family, the practicality of something often starts with its most basic utility: sustenance. Food is foundational, and so the first thought is always about whether something can nourish us.
The second question came swiftly after, “If not, does it heal?” Healing, too, is a fundamental value. We respect the power of nature as a source of medicine, recognising that many plants carry properties that can mend and soothe.
When it became clear that this plant was neither food nor medicine, the third question arose: “If it is not a medicine, does it kill?” This might seem a stark contrast, but it highlights our respect for the natural balance. Knowing whether a plant could be harmful is as crucial as knowing whether it can heal, especially when you live close to nature.
“If it does not serve as pest control, can we use it to process something?” This fourth question shows our inclination towards resourcefulness. Whether it’s making dye, creating natural fibres, or extracting useful compounds, we are always looking for ways to use what we find.
The fifth question asked was, “If it has no use as a catalyst, can we fabricate something with it?” This reflects our interest in crafting and creating, valuing the potential to turn raw materials into something of utility or beauty.
Moving along the same line of thought, the sixth question was, “If it is not an essential material, can we use it to build something?” Here, the focus shifts to construction, demonstrating our appreciation for materials that can be transformed into structures or tools.
Finally, the seventh question posed was, “If it is no construction material or tool, is it decorative?” If a plant holds no practical use in the conventional sense, its aesthetic value is still considered. Beauty, after all, has its own form of utility in enriching our surroundings and our spirits.
If none of these questions apply, then we know we have much to learn. Every plant, like every experience, offers something valuable, even if it’s just the lesson that we have more to discover. In this way, today’s discovery wasn’t just about finding a new plant—it was about reaffirming the values that shape how we interact with the world around us.
Summary of the Seven Questions:
- Can we eat it? - Evaluating if the plant is a source of nourishment.
- Does it heal? - Considering its potential medicinal properties.
- Does it kill? - Assessing whether the plant could be harmful or toxic.
- Can we use it to process something? - Identifying if it can be used in crafting or other processes.
- Can we fabricate something with it? - Exploring its potential in creation and crafting.
- Can we use it to build something? - Determining its usefulness in construction or as a tool.
- Is it decorative? - Valuing its aesthetic or ornamental qualities.
If none of these apply, then we embrace the opportunity to learn more about it.