I grew up in a family deeply immersed in Eastern classics. These ancient texts, passed down through generations, were more than just stories—they were windows into the natural world and the essence of life itself. They sparked my earliest reflections on the rhythms of nature and the deeper meanings of existence.

As a child, I was enchanted by daisies. Their simple, vibrant beauty called to me, and I eagerly planted seeds in our garden, dreaming of a field filled with their blossoms. But day after day, despite my efforts, nothing sprouted. Frustration and disappointment crept in. Endless waiting made me feel as though my hard work was in vain.

One night, during a bedtime story, I heard a tale from the ancient Eastern text, the Shan Hai Jing. It spoke of the mythical sunbird, Jinwu. Each morning, ten golden crows would rise from the Fusang tree, bringing light and warmth to the world. That night, as I drifted to sleep, I dreamed an extraordinary dream.

An endless night stretched before me, and everything lay still in the darkness. But then, on the horizon, a gigantic golden bird appeared. With slow, steady wings, it lifted the sun into the sky. As its wings spread wide, the darkness gave way to a golden light, and the world below began to bloom with color and life. That vision of the Jinwu, the harbinger of light and life, stayed with me.

I woke with a newfound understanding—a lesson in patience and trust. Nature moves to its own rhythm, and some things cannot be rushed. Not long after, tiny green shoots finally broke through the soil of my garden. The daisies blossomed into vibrant beauty, teaching me that growth takes time and that waiting is part of the process.