False Sunflower Insists on Uncovering Your Hidden Truth

Welcome to the September 1st edition of my Monday Morning Huddle. Today's message comes from the False Sunflower. For those unfamiliar, my huddle has absolutely nothing to do with work, but instead focuses on nature paired with spiritual notes, channelled and delivered by yours truly.

Why?

Because I want everyone to look beyond their physical existence and the everyday human rat race to discover the simple joys only nature can provide. Healing, happiness, and spiritual knowledge lie abundantly within our outside places, but all too often, busy lifestyles get in the way.

If you are a returning reader, welcome back; if you are new to the Monday Morning Huddle, welcome aboard!

Before diving into today's spiritual message, let's try to figure out this whole False Sunflower bit.

What's with the name? 🌼 🌼 🌼

False Sunflower, like its friend and perhaps more popular Common Sunflower, is a bright yellow bloom seen during late Summer and Autumn.

While similar, both with a sunny appeal, there are key differences.

The flowers are two separate species: False Sunflower (Heliopsis Helianthoides) is a perennial native to 70% of the United States and grows tall ( estimated 4-6 ft). Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annus) is an annual native to the whole United States and most of Canada, and grows really tall ( 4- 10 ft, even higher).

While similar, a notable variance lies in the fertility of the False Sunflower's ray florets. The true (Common) Sunflower's florets are sterile, and only its center produces seeds.

Overall, alike, with botanical and biological differences.

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A Spiritual Message About Uncovering Your Truth

I photographed my cover image last week during a walk with my four-year-old grandson. Unsure of the flower's name and species specifics at the time, I did my research with phone in hand, and immediately thought: "False Sunflower, how ridiculous is that!"

Spiritually, False Sunflower symbolizes adoration, cheerfulness, positivity, and unwavering loyalty, aligning nicely with the Common Sunflower's representation of happiness, devotion, loyalty, and strength.

Two peas in a pod, so to speak, despite contrasting elements.

Later, with reflection and meditation, something dawned on me.

How often does one thing seem like another but is actually distinct, independent, separate, or unconnected?

Then I pondered the concept of falsehood and how many times I encountered instances appearing one way when contrasting feelings were going on deeper, deeper than a surface-level demeanor.

Hmm...

Was I living a false existence or faking it to make it for all eyes to see?

So, I suppose I should mention that the name "False Sunflower" annoys me because this beauty is a separate species, true to her being, and I much favor her alter names: Smooth Oxeye, Sweet Smooth Oxeye, Eastern Ox-eye, Oxyene Sunflower, and Early Sunflower.

False Sunflower Insists on Uncovering Your Hidden Truth

The sunlike appeal of this flower is like uncovering a pot of gold you never knew you needed.

Perceived to be false is merely perception, but upon investigation, a deeper dive, a second look, truth is uncovered, sometimes in hidden places, altering self-deception.

Take this beauty found in nature and apply it to your personal life.

Ask Yourself

• Do you often find yourself being unfairly compared by people to your siblings, friends, or other family members?
• Do you find career comparisons to other colleagues biased?
• Do YOU compare yourself to a version of yourself you want to be, but hide it from the world, fearing disapproval, lash-outs, weighted conversations, and things of the like?

Just as the name "False Sunflower" serves no justice to one of nature's gifts, living a false existence serves no justice to oneself.

Comparison is not your comfort companion, especially since your presence is unique and unlike any other.

If you find yourself finding resonance with any of the above, then it's time to dig deeper.

Turn on flower power and shine the golden light inward.

• Discover your own unique approach, skillset, talents, and voice
• Dig up the weeds, the fear & energy of outside influences restricting your growth
• Nurture your garden; allow your blooms to push above the soil
• Shine the light for all to see your truth, your real self, unhidden

****

Who would have thought something as simple as a flower's name would find me struggling for answers?

Reflection tells me that falsehood is a finicky thing affecting far too many of us, including myself.

After all, nature did not name this flower. The divine certainly did not name this flower; people did.

Sit with this thought for a minute, then go ahead and discover your hidden truth!

***

Here is a look back at the Monday Morning Huddle from August 4.

Then the message was: Sunflower Spirit Message: Rise, Stand Tall, And Never Feel Small Again.

Similar, yet different from today: False Sunflower Insists on Uncovering Your Hidden Truth.

While comparison yields common links, a deeper study uncovers distinct attributes with independent benefits, insights, etc.

Thanks for reading, and if feeling inspired, please check out my YouTube version, another slideshow this week, since my voice is still sounding a little husky from a cold. 😅

Updates to the Monday Morning Huddle 😊 😊 😊

My Monday Morning Huddle began at the beginning of 2025 as a Vocal Media exclusive project. Now, I cross-publish on Medium in a publication entirely dedicated to my little brainstorm. Being new to YouTube with only 5 videos means not a whole lot is going on over there, but I am determined.

Looking back to my first go around on Medium, I did not reach top writer status until I attended Kristina God's bootcamp. Literally within two weeks after, I was awarded top writer status in Parenting, followed by This Happened To Me. My issue was not my writing; it was missing key SEO elements, tags, & such.

So, as I dive deeper into YouTube learning, I hope to eventually find my way to success.

Diving deeper into myself, I have uncovered a joy for making videos, and I won't stop, and I won't allow nerves, naysayers' comments, fear of measuring up to peers, or any other negativity to stand in my way.

I won't shrink into self-perceived falsehood.

There: My truth uncovered.

YOUR TURN! 🌼 😊