The Subtle Art of Noticing Plants

A primer on overcoming plant blindness and reconnecting with the green outside your window.

You know that moment when you realize you’ve been missing something obvious your entire life? Like when you finally notice that arrow in the FedEx logo, or that the same actor has been in like every movie you’ve watched?

Yeah, this is kind of like that. But bigger.

I was standing at 12,000 feet in the Valley of Flowers, Uttrakhand, where the air is so thin it makes your head spin. But that’s not what took my breath away. It’s hard to describe how magical it feels to walk through that valley, surrounded by thousands of flowers growing together in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Over 600 species of plants, each fighting to survive in conditions that would make most living things surrender.

Plants in high-stress environments like the Himalayas produce higher levels of antioxidants than their lowland cousins just to survive up here. These same antioxidants are what we consume when we eat foods like berries and leafy greens, giving us the resilience we need to fight off our own stressors.

This is where the ancient sages searched for the legendary Sanjivani booti— the herb so powerful it could bring the dead back to life. Looking at the tenacity of these plants, thriving where nothing should grow, I get why they looked here.

But this is the wild thing— it took me standing in literally one of the most spectacular plant displays on Earth to finally notice what had been right in front of me my entire life.

I was plant blind.

And not just to plants. To relationships. To life itself.

This is the story of how I went from being a spreadsheet-obsessed corporate zombie who couldn’t tell a maple from a murderscene (that’s what I used to call my failed attempts at keeping plants alive), to someone who… well, let’s just say I now have full conversations with my Aloe Vera. And surprisingly, it’s taught me more about life, love, and growth than any self-help book ever could.

Want to know the best part? Your journey to seeing the world in vibrant green starts with just one plant. One moment. One choice to pay attention.

It’s Funny How Things Sneak Up on You

Back then, I was your typical corporate drone. Powerpoints were my natural habitat, Teams meetings my daily ritual. Nature was something I saw in desktop wallpapers.

One day, you’re grinding through work, ticking off goals, and keeping your head down — and then, out of nowhere, something shifts. For me, this was me realising that I was miserable. I always felt burned out, trying to do too much.

Wondering if this was what I’d been sent here for.

I was blind to my relationships.

Then one day, I suddenly had this watermelon peperomia, a gift from my cousins Lav and Payal di. Man, that plant taught me more about relationships than any self-help book ever could.

See, I used to get so wrapped up in work and sidequests that anyone outside my immediate 10-meter radius might as well have been on Mars.

Still working on that, if I’m being honest.

Like relationships, some plants need daily attention, while others thrive with occasional care. The trick is knowing which is which.

💡 RELATIONSHIP WISDOM FROM PLANTS:

• Some friends are like orchids: needing constant care and perfect conditions
• Others are like succulents: thriving even with occasional neglect
• The key is recognizing which is which and giving each what they need

You know how it goes — almost every day, someone pops into your head, a friend you haven’t talked to in forever, and you think, “I should reach out.” But then either you don’t, or you send that quick “hey, how are you?” text that fizzles out after two exchanges. Sound familiar?

Here’s what my plants taught me about people: relationships come in different forms, just like plants. Some are leaves — beautiful but temporary, meant to be part of your life for just a season. Others are branches — stronger connections that last longer but might still need pruning sometimes. And then there are the roots — the ones who keep you grounded, who help you grow even when you can’t see them working their magic.

I’ve lived for 2.75 decades and called 23 different places home.

I’ve had more friends than I can count.

Now, even if we haven’t talked in a while, know that I do still think of you.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Each one of you shaped me into who I am today — just like every plant in a forest contributes to its ecosystem.

Like plants, relationships need both water and sunlight. When they’re deprived of either life force, they die. But some plants are hardier than others.

I’m learning that it’s okay to have different types of relationships, just like it’s okay to have different types of plants. Some need daily watering, others can thrive on monthly check-ins. The key is to not beat yourself up when you’re still figuring it out.

📱 RELATIONSHIP GROWING TIPS:

• Set reminders to check in with friends
• Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment
• Start small — even a quick message counts
• Remember: growth takes time

Roots & Wings

My journey didn’t start with a grand epiphany. It started with a walk—just one walk—on a crisp morning in Burquitlam, that sweet spot between Burnaby and Coquitlam in British Columbia.

Douglas firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western Redcedars (Thuja plicata) dominate the landscape here. These trees can live for over a 1000 years and play an indispensable role in carbon sequestration, storing carbon in their wood and the soil.

I remember it vividly: the looming presence of Burnaby Mountain to the north. The air smelled of citrusy-cedar and damp earth, with a hint of salt carried up the streams by the salmon from the nearby ocean.

Now, I’ve got to come clean here. I wasn’t always this person who talked about leaves and trees.

I grew up in India, surrounded by the dense greenery of the Western Ghats. Plants were part of everyday life — whether it was the food we ate or the herbs we used to heal. But back then, I didn’t think much of it. Plants were just there, background noise to a life filled with school, friends, and family.

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to over 7,402 species of flowering plants.

My grandmother was my first teacher in plant wisdom. I can see her now, her wrinkled hands deftly plucking tulsi leaves in our garden. The sharp, spicy scent would fill our tiny kitchen as she crushed the leaves between her fingers.

“This,” she’d say, her eyes twinkling, “is for clarity of mind.”

(Fun fact: modern science backs her up. Studies show that tulsi (Holy Basil) can help reduce stress and anxiety.)

But somewhere along the way, I’d forgotten all that. All the Ayurvedic teachings. I’d gotten so caught up in the rat race that I’d lost touch with this fundamental part of my heritage, this connection to the green world.

And as you know, life doesn’t always stay the same.

I ended up trading the chaos of India for a corporate life far removed from nature. And, for a while, that felt like success. But somewhere along the way, the grind caught up with me. I wasn’t growing — I was stuck.

A year ago, I wouldn’t have noticed any of this.

These days, I’m deep into the Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation program at BCIT. I’m learning more about the natural world than I ever imagined, inspired by teachers whose passion has helped me see the world differently.

Whether it’s Julia sparking my interest in plant identification, Alex and Jason igniting a deeper curiosity about sustainable forestry and the fundamentals of wilderness navigation, or Melissa opening my eyes to the fascinating landscapes of BC — they’ve all shown me how much life is happening right around us.

So hey there, fellow adventurer. Yeah, you — the one scrolling through your phone, maybe feeling a bit lost, a bit stuck, but with that spark inside that says there’s got to be more to life than this. I see you, because not too long ago, I was you.

Let me share some of my learnings with you!

But First, What the Hell is Plant Blindness?

Okay, quick science break. Plant blindness is a real thing. It’s this tendency we humans have to, well, not see plants. We’re hardwired to notice things that move (like animals) or things that might be threats. Plants? They just kinda camouflage, right?

🧪 SCIENCE CORNER: Plant Blindness

• Plants make up 80% of Earth’s biomass
• Humans are wired to notice movement, not stillness
• But plants communicate, feel, and respond to their environment

Grow Your Own Green Ally

Alright, let’s talk about something that’s been a game-changer for me — growing my own plants. Forget about plant journals (who has time for that, right?). Instead, try adopting a plant or growing one from scratch. Trust me, it’s like having a silent roommate that actually makes your place better.

When I overdid it on a surf trip and came back sunburned, my Aloe bro was there for me, offering up its cool gel to soothe my burned skin.

Taking care of plants taught me some serious life lessons. It’s like a mirror for how you’re doing in life. When my plants start looking sad, droopy, or yellowed, it’s usually a sign that I’ve been slacking in taking care of myself too.

My baby has been suffering, recently.

Think about it — plants need water, sunlight, and good soil to thrive. We’re not so different. We need proper nutrition, rest, and a good environment to be our best selves. It’s that whole “water your own pot first” thing. If you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you expect to crush it in other areas of your life?

🌱 STARTER PLANTS FOR MY BROS:

1. Aloe Vera — Tough as nails, useful as hell
2. Snake Plant — Almost impossible to kill
3. Pothos — Grows like it’s getting paid to
4. Spider Plant — Makes you look like you know what you’re doing

Now, I’m not saying that growing a few plants will solve all your problems. But there’s something powerful about nurturing another living thing and watching it grow. It’s a tangible reminder that with consistent care and attention, things can flourish — whether it’s a plant, a relationship, or your own personal growth.

Plus, there’s a primal satisfaction in growing something with your own two hands. In a world where so much of what we do is digital and intangible, having a physical representation of your efforts is pretty damn cool.

Science Behind Nature’s Impact

I’m a science nerd at heart, so let me throw some facts at you. Did you know that spending time in nature can literally change your brain? It reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that’s active during rumination — you know, that endless loop of negative thoughts.

🌿 17-MINUTE LIFEHACK:

Just 120 minutes a week in nature = better health and well-being .

That’s only 17 minutes a day.

Thank me later.

Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels by up to 15%, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and boost the immune system. They call it forest bathing in Japan — Shinrin-yoku.

This is the best part for me: it can make also make you kinder and more generous. Studies have shown that exposure to nature makes people more likely to help others. How cool is that?

Your Turn to Grow

Look, I’m not saying you need to quit your job and become a full-time tree hugger (though if that’s your jam, go for it). But I am saying that there’s magic out there in the green world, and it’s available to all of us.

So here’s my challenge to you. This week, get yourself a plant. Could be a low-maintenance succulent if you’re just starting out, or maybe an herb you can actually use in your cooking to level up your culinary game. Whatever you choose, commit to taking care of it.

As you water it, think about how you’re nourishing yourself. As you make sure it gets enough light, consider if you’re getting enough outdoor time yourself. And as you watch it grow, reflect on how you’re growing and changing too.

Remember, this isn’t about becoming some plant expert overnight. It’s about connecting with something real, something alive. It’s about understanding that everything worth having in life — from killer abs to solid relationships — needs consistent care and attention to thrive.

Ready to Get LASIK For Your Plant Blindness?

Here are a few of my top tips to help you connect with nature:

1. Find your “sit spot”: Choose a place in nature — it could be a park bench, a quiet corner of your backyard, or a spot in the woods. Visit this same spot regularly, at different times of day and in different weather. Notice how it changes over time, how different creatures visit it. This practice can deepen your connection to a place and help you notice subtle changes in nature. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by being still and observing.

✋ TRY THIS: 5-Minute Nature Connection

1. Stop
2. Close your eyes, breathe deep
3. Open your eyes, find one thing that catches your attention
4. Get close, really look at it
5. Use all your senses (but maybe don’t lick random plants)

2. Learn to identify one plant: Start small. Pick just one plant in your neighborhood that catches your eye. Use an app like iNaturalist or Seek to help you identify it. These apps are like having a botanist in your pocket — just snap a photo, and they’ll tell you what you’re looking at. Once you know its name, research it a bit. How can you confirm its identity? What’s its history? Does it have any traditional uses? (If you really can’t find anything interesting—check out the Cannabaceae plant family. They say it’s a great way to elevate your knowledge.)

3. Explore crown land and forage (responsibly): If you’re in Canada like me, check out crownlandmap.ca to find public land near you. These areas are often rich in biodiversity and perfect for connecting with nature. Once you’re there, try your hand at some light foraging. Maybe it’s picking wild berries, gathering edible mushrooms, or harvesting some wild herbs.

But here’s the important part: approach foraging with respect and mindfulness. Remember some wisdom from Indigenous traditions, beautifully captured in books like “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “Held by the Land”:

📋 FORAGING ETHICS:

• Never take the first one you see.
• Never take the last one.
• If it eludes you or resists you, it’s not meant for you
• Always follow local regulations

Remember, the goal isn’t to become an expert overnight. It’s about cultivating curiosity, opening your senses, and developing a relationship with the natural world around you.

This is a partnership my homies. Take care of the land and it will take care of you.

Keep Going

I know things can get overwhelming. Life throws curveballs. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from plants, it’s that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s slow. It’s messy. It takes time. But with every day, with every new leaf or shoot, progress happens.

You just have to keep showing up until you are a massive old-growth ent from the Lord of the Rings.

Or groot.

So, to whoever’s reading this — if you’re feeling stuck, if you’re trying to find a way forward — take a breath, slow down, and look to the plants around you. They’ve been here a lot longer than we have, and they’ve figured out how to thrive. Relate to them. Maybe there’s something we can learn from them.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now, but you do need to keep going. And the plants? They’ll still be there, patiently waiting to guide you.

So what do you say? Ready to add some green to your life and see what grows? Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking. And who knows? You might just cultivate the strength, patience, and nurturing side you never knew you had. Get a plant at your local store or fb marketplace — it could cost you less than $5/250 rupees.

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And hey! if you’re vibing with this plant journey stuff and want to learn more, just reach out! Whether you’re curious about:

• Local plant ID tips
• The best trails around BC/Toronto/Bangalore
• How to not kill your first plant
• Or just want to geek out about nature

Shoot me a message here or on my socials. I’m always down to chat about plants, share some tips, or maybe even go on a nature walk if you’re in the area.