The Lotus Flower April 30, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Life Balance, Nature.comments closed
Yesterday, we bought a painting of a Blue Lotus . . . gently unfolding. We hung our purchase above the sofa as a reminder to stay in the moment and let the path unfold before us.
This morning, inspired by the painting, I researched the Lotus Flower and its symbolism in the Buddhist religion and learned:
The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight.
This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.
According to another scholar, “the heart of the being is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms.”
Excerpts from: The Lotus Symbol in Buddhism.
The color of the lotus impacts the symbolism associated with it:
White Lotus: A state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity.
Pink Lotus: The supreme lotus, reserved for the highest deity ~ the Great Buddha himself.
Red Lotus: The original nature and purity of the heart ~ the lotus of love, compassion, and passion.
Blue Lotus: The victory of Spirit over the senses ~ true inner wisdom and knowledge.
Ahh . . . a Blue Lotus, symbolizing the victory of spirit over the senses . . . and the dawning of inner wisdom.
What a wonderful symbol to have hanging in our living room.
And, now, for a surprising twist to our tale ~ turns out the painting we purchased yesterday is an Agave Flower, not a Blue Lotus!
The Agave Flower, a succulent, grows in the desert, not in the mud beneath ponds.
And . . . it has thorns!
Rather than being dismayed by this turn of events, I’m delighted.
Not only will the new painting remind me to let life unfold . . .
It will also remind me to bloom where I’m planted . . .
And embrace all with joy!
Namaste!
Agave Flower by Jill Barton
A Beacon in the Dark April 30, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Magick & Mystery, Mindfulness.comments closed
By remaining open and receptive to the moment, we allow ourselves to be gently steered and guided to what we need to know, see, hear, or do next.
Our attention may be drawn to a book we need to read, a person we need to meet, a conversation we need to have, or a classified advertisement we need to see ~ if we listen to the whispers of spirit, anything in life can be our guide.
When something grabs your attention, pay attention ~ it may be the answer to your prayers . . . the key to achieving your dreams.
Likewise, when you do NOT want to do something that you feel you “should” do, pay attention ~ perhaps the greater good of all will be advanced if you choose to “drop this ball” and allow it to roll into someone else’s court.
Spirit Lights The Way ~ it is our beacon in the dark, our guide through the infinite possibilities and the uncertainty of life.
Silence the mind. Just Be. Focus on your breath . . . allow your inner wisdom to surface.
No rules. Just write!
Related posts: Winks, Whispers, and Nudges * Meditation 101 * Sail Without Fear * The Gift of Synchronicity * Synchronicity & Mystery * Way of the Peaceful Warrior * Access Your Inner Wisdom * Are You OK Right Now? * Divine Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Spirit Lights The Way 