SUNFLOWER POWER

SUNFLOWER FACTS:

The sunflowers most distiguishing feature is a phenomenom called heIiotropism. This means that the beautiful flowering heads of this plant will follow the sun's movements and change their orientation from east to west during the day. 

The Sunflower's Symbolism

The sunflower is the Greek symbol of Clytie, a water nymph. Clytie transforms into a beautiful sunflower after the loss of her true love Apollo. Since the sunflower always follows the sun, Cytie searches tirelessly for Apollo's chariot to be united with her love once again.

A Perscription For Happiness

Did you know the beautiful, unfurling and graceful petals of the sunflower, which reflect  the beauty of the sun's rays is a prescription for happiness? 

Researchers at the  University of Essex found that staring at it's bright golden color for just 5 minutes will do much more than just make you happy: it will boost your brain power as well.

According to the online news, The Sun,  volunteers exposed to only 5 minutes of sunny shades, improved their hand-eye cordination by 20 percent, physical strength by 9 percent and scored 25% higher in mental agility tests than volunteers who were exposed to dull grays for 5 minutes.

So next time you're feeling blue, stressed out or just plain tired reach for a dose of color.

What We Can Learn From The Sunflower

Sunflowers alway look towards the sun. When you look toward the sun you will naturally view life more positively. Instead of being swallowed by the shadows, by seeking valuable lessons and silver linings with every obstacle that comes our way, we create positivity and happiness.

My hope is that my painting of  " Glorious Golden Sunflowers" will remind you to keep facing the sun.

For optimists are always happier, healthier and in charge of their world.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." - Helen Keller