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2020 Term 1 Covid-19 Eco-Dharma Images Online Zen Group

Sheltering in Place with Eptasia

by ~ Karen Fermin

Viewing notes: Please watch this with sound on.

We live with a stunning specimen from the plant world who I’ve named Eptasia. Or Epa for short.

Epa is a cactus which belongs to the night-blooming Cereus family.
I’m not sure what their botanical name is… perhaps someone knows and can let me know.

Epa was a gift from the former tenants of our home.
They gifted it to us as they were moving overseas (5 years ago) and couldn’t take it with them.  They took a cutting and planned to grow another one in their new home.  They had received it as a wedding present a few years earlier.  We’re still in touch and I still send photos of Epa to them and we both continue to be nourished by our sweet connection.

Eptasia is a derivative of the greek word for 7 (epta). A cross section of one of Epa’s limbs would reveal a 7 pointed flower-like shape.

Epa is a steadfast companion for me.  Along with the sun, the moon, the stars and the breeze.

One morning I wrote this after coming out to witness one of the flowers at dawn.

Night melts into day
Darkness into light
Many buds
Blossoming
From tough skin and prickles

I feel like this.  Blossoming, from tough skin and prickles.

I hope you enjoy these recordings.

With love


Karen