In front of my window, I can see an old plum tree that, I must confess, goes unnoticed the rest of the year: its leaves blend in with the surrounding greenery, and I don't even notice its existence. But every winter, this inconspicuous tree adorns itself and bursts into millions of tiny white blossoms that, in contrast to the dark brown of its branches and the intense blue of the sky, become an epiphany that brings a smile to anyone who is able to observe its beauty. It is the protagonist of the landscape.

It's truly a blessing to see it; and when the wind blows, thousands of tiny petals fall off and float in the air like snow. Gazing at those white flowers reminds me that life is worth living and invites me to connect with my inner self, as well as with the higher power I call God. Who else could have made something so beautiful, so perfect?

It also moves me to know that when a tree sheds all its leaves and flowers like this, it's because its existence is in danger. In this way, it uses all its remaining energy to ensure the continuation of its species by producing the greatest number of seeds, which will become flowers and then fruit.

The flowers inside the house

The joy of seeing flowers in the countryside or in a garden can also be brought into the home. From my dear mother-in-law, Leonor, I learned the habit of buying seasonal flowers week after week and placing them in the places where I spend most of my time. I am so grateful for that. Truly, waking up in the morning and seeing a bouquet nearby is the perfect way to start the day. Seeing a flower next to my computer screen reminds me that life isn't all about work.

Flowers speak multiple languages. With them, we can say: "I'm sorry," "I love you," "I'm with you," "I congratulate you," "I wish you," "I celebrate you." A ten-month study conducted by the Rutgers laboratory at the State University of New Jersey demonstrated that nature provides us with a very simple way to improve our mood and health through flowers. Below are the results:

• The presence of flowers anywhere triggers positive emotions, elevates states of satisfaction, and impacts a person's social behavior in a positive way, beyond what is commonly believed. "The most exciting thing about the study is that it naturally challenges scientific beliefs about how people manage their moods and health on a daily basis," says Dr. Jeanette Haviland, professor of psychology at Rutgers and leader of the research.
• Flowers have an immediate impact on people's happiness and sense of energy. Everyone who received flowers immediately smiled and demonstrated extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal across all age groups.
• Flowers have a long-term effect on people's mood. Participating students reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers and demonstrated higher levels of life satisfaction and enjoyment.
• Flowers foster closer connections between family and friends. A place decorated with fresh flowers creates a warm and positive feeling in people, who feel welcomed and in an atmosphere that invites sharing. The place conveys cleanliness and care.
• Sick people recover faster in the presence of flowers.
• Seen properly, flowers are messengers from another dimension that help us raise our consciousness, as Eckart Tolle says in his book Una nueva Tierra; son un puente entre las formas físicas y lo que no tiene forma.

Flowers contain within themselves all the beauty of the cosmos. Keep them with you, I guarantee that in a mysterious way, they will make you feel better.