When you are lonely do daffodils dance? ... Poetry by William Wordsworth

Art: Theresa Shaw
William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud", commonly known as "Daffodils", is one of his most famous and beloved works. The poem was inspired by a walk Wordsworth took with his sister Dorothy in the Lake District of England in 1802, during which they came across a field of daffodils. The beauty of the scene stayed with Wordsworth and inspired him to write the poem. The following is how Dorothy explained the walk in her journal:

When we were in the woods beyond Gowbarrow park we saw a few daffodils close to the water side, we fancied that the lake had floated the seed ashore & that the little colony had so sprung up — But as we went along there were more & yet more & at last under the boughs of the trees, we saw that there was a long belt of them along the shore, about the breadth of a country turnpike road. I never saw daffodils so beautiful they grew among the mossy stones about & about them, some rested their heads upon these stones as on a pillow for weariness & the rest tossed and reeled and danced & seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind that blew upon them over the Lake, they looked so gay ever dancing ever changing. This wind blew directly over the lake to them . . .
—Dorothy Wordsworth, The Grasmere Journal Thursday, 15 April 1802

Beauty Brings Joy to Our Hearts and Minds

Beauty is a subjective experience that has the power to evoke joy and pleasure in our hearts and minds. Whether it's a stunning sunset, a beautiful work of art, a row of flowers, or the smile of a loved one, beauty has the ability to move us, inspire us, and fill us with a sense of wonder and awe.

When we encounter something beautiful, it can have a profound effect on our emotions and mental state. Research has shown that experiencing beauty can increase our sense of well-being, reduce stress, and even improve our cognitive function. This is because when we experience beauty, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.

Moreover, beauty has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves, whether it's the natural world, a higher power, or the collective human experience. It can give us a sense of perspective, helping us to see beyond our immediate concerns and connect us to a larger sense of meaning and purpose.

Seeing Flowers, Flowers Flower

We learn about community from flowers. Seeing other flowers, flowers flower. They all blossom together, they laugh together, they dance together.  

When we observe the good deeds and accomplishments of others, it can be a source of inspiration and motivation for us to strive for similar achievements. Just like how the sight and scent of a beautiful flower can inspire other flowers to bloom, witnessing the positive actions of others can encourage us to do good in the world and become the best version of ourselves.

The concept of being inspired by others' fragrant deeds is rooted in the idea of positive reinforcement. When we see others doing good and being rewarded for it, it reinforces the belief that good deeds are worth doing and can lead to positive outcomes. This can motivate us to take similar actions in our own lives, whether it's volunteering for a cause we believe in, helping a neighbor in need, or simply spreading kindness and positivity wherever we go.

In addition, being inspired by others' fragrant deeds can also create a sense of community and connectedness. When we see others doing good in the world, it can help us to feel less alone in our efforts to make a positive impact. It can also encourage us to collaborate with others and work together towards shared goals and aspirations.

Overall, being inspired by others' fragrant deeds is a powerful way to cultivate a positive mindset and contribute to the greater good. By recognizing and celebrating the good deeds of others, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and inspire others to do the same, just like how a field of flowers can inspire each other to bloom and grow.

Daffodils by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
and twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

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