Life Lessons from the Onion

Examining its resiliency and layers

I planted onions in the early spring and discovered many are now ready for harvest. The tall green stalks turned brown and leaned over almost 90 degrees. The onion itself bulged from the dirt as almost to say, “Hello!” I’m ready!” I eagerly pulled the versatile plant from the ground and peeled off its soft outer layer to reveal healthy and strong layers underneath.

The onion gives us advice straight from nature:

The saying goes, “People are like onions.” It is true there are many layers to us and humans are very resilient. And so is the onion. It can grow in many climates and adapt.

Just like the onion, we are able to flourish under the right conditions of sunlight and nourishment. Even if a rip occurs in the outer layer of the onion there is beauty, strength, and resiliency underneath.

Onions also have an interesting defense mechanism of releasing sulfuric compounds. This helps keep species and predators away from it. It also is what makes us cry when cutting an onion. Similarly, it is easy for humans to become defensive when someone else tries to cut into our layers.

We can set boundaries to preserve our inner world. On the flip side, I can allow myself to be more vulnerable with safe and trusted individuals. However, this takes time. It required patience and baby steps when cutting into the onions.

I always learn something new from my garden and the onion is absolutely fascinating. In fact, onions also contain components that help with bee stings in addition to showing promise in medical research against many diseases and sustainability. See https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/onion-health-research/ and https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/natures-ninja/ for more information.