Narcissus is a spring flower that blooms with pure, graceful beauty at the end of slender, upright stems.

Beginning to bloom at the end of winter, when the air is still cold, Narcissus has long been cherished as a flower that heralds the arrival of spring.

The name “Narcissus” comes from Narcissus, a young man who appears in an ancient Greek story.

The story of Narcissus, who became captivated by his own reflection in the water, later gave rise to the word “narcissism.”

Yet looking at oneself does not necessarily mean being self-centered.

It can mean quietly turning our gaze inward.

What do I feel?
What do I truly desire?
Where do I want to go?

Listening to that inner voice is an important step toward knowing ourselves.

And perhaps it is only when we come to know and love our true selves that we can truly learn to love others.

The story of Narcissus can be understood as a reminder that awakening begins when we move beyond simply looking at our outward reflection and turn our gaze inward — toward truly knowing ourselves.