Tragic Beauty of Narcissus: A Reflection on Balance & Self-Love

Dear Flower Watchers,

There’s something about the narcissus flower that feels so relatable. Its delicate petals carry a story that has been told for centuries—a tale of love, vanity, and transformation. It’s one of those myths that makes you pause and think about the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

A Myth That Speaks to Us All

Narcissus was a figure in Greek mythology, a young hunter so breathtakingly beautiful that he caught the attention of everyone around him. But Narcissus didn’t care for their admiration. He only had eyes for himself.

One day, he stumbled upon a clear pool of water. As he leaned in to take a drink, he saw his reflection for the first time. He was mesmerised. He thought it was someone else—someone he could love. But that image was untouchable, just an illusion, and yet he couldn’t tear himself away.

The longer he stayed, the more he lost himself, longing for something that could never be real. Eventually, Narcissus faded away, and from the place where he lay, the narcissus flower bloomed.

"Narcissus by Caravaggio, 1597–1599, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica (21836123485)" by Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

A Gentle Reminder from the Narcissus

The narcissus flower has come to symbolise many things. In Greek culture, it’s a cautionary tale about vanity and obsession. But in other traditions, like Chinese culture, it represents renewal and good fortune.

For us, the story isn’t just about vanity—it’s about the precariousness of holding onto something too tightly, whether it’s an ideal, a goal, or even a version of ourselves that we’re unwilling to let go of.

Self-love is important. We need to look in the mirror and see our own worth. But if we focus too much on that reflection—on perfection, or what we wish we were—we miss everything else. The world around us is full of beauty, too.

"A bird with narcissus flowers and a hay bundle (1900-1930) by Ohara Koson (1877-1945). Original from the Rijks Museum. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel." by Free Public Domain Illustrations by rawpixel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Paperwhite, bunch-flowered narcissus (Narcissus tazetta)." by Swallowtail Garden Seeds is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

As Flower Watchers, we’re always looking for beauty—in the flowers blooming by the roadside, the shadows dancing on the wall, or even the small moments that make us smile. The story of Narcissus reminds me to take that same joy in looking outward as I do in looking inward.

The next time you see a narcissus flower, let it remind you of balance: to love yourself, but not lose yourself. To reflect, but also to connect.

Loves,

A Flower Watcher