It was years ago now, but here is the story of how the Lotus Flower came into my life. I had just finished working with a client of mine and stepped outside to pray and meditate. I often do so after a challenging session, but looked forward to it this time as I myself had been through a number of challenging situations over the preceding months, and I knew that I needed to continue to work on my own "Learn Grow Evolve." It was a perfect day outside and after spending hours inside, I was happy to have the sun on my face and breathe in the aromas of being outdoors.
I closed my eyes, sat, prayed, and gave thanks for all that I had in my life. While the months before had been an obstacle course of lessons that needed to be learned, I always ensure I appreciate all of the things in my life. After my prayers and as I began my meditation, I asked the Universe “Please show me where I am at in my life and why I am where I am.” As I immersed myself deeper into meditation, I saw in front of me a beautiful white lotus flower which I distinctly noticed, but didn’t give much attention other than simply appreciating its beauty.
I continued my meditation and when I was done, stayed outside for a while enjoying the blueness of the sky and the drifting clouds.
A few days later I met with a friend of mine who is a healer of Native American descent and on her own quest has studied other religions and spiritualties. We went to lunch and as we caught up on the happenings of each other’s lives, I mentioned seeing the white lotus flower during my meditation. She smiled and excitedly said “That’s great!” Curious at her exuberance, I looked at her and asked, “Why, what does it mean?”
She replied that in Buddhist teachings, the lotus flower is a symbol of being pure in one’s spirit, in addition to reaching one’s own enlightenment and self-awareness. She explained to me that the lotus flower grows in murky waters, rises above the dark water, and blooms into a beautiful flower. Through its growth, the lotus does not allow the muddy water to foul any of its beauty.
She continued to remark that like the growth of a lotus, I survived a dark pit of physical, emotional, verbal, and mental abuse, without allowing it to consume me and drag me down. She witnessed the way I continued my path of evolution not free of error, but without any hatred, bitterness, or anger in my heart or mind. Instead, I was filled with kindness, generosity, humility, compassion, and a love of all things. She continued to tell me that many people had described me as “pure in spirit” and “bright as the sun” so she wasn’t surprised that the lotus appeared as an indication of where I was at in my life.
I thought about what she said and understood that the lesson is to always be on my own "Learn Grow Evolve" path as it continues to widen. I may not have always liked the hand I was dealt at the beginning of my journey, but I have come to a deep understanding of the reasons for it, as well as how I continued to rise above it to become the person I am today. I also know that as I continue on my journey, it is my responsibility to understand that evolution never stops, that I will continue to learn about life, nature, the nature of things, and the Universe.
May the Lotus flower remind you of your own journey and how to stay beautiful above the murky waters of difficulty and suffering.
Peace and Love to the Universe!
