Lotus Flower Rises Above – So Too Shall We
Lotus Flower Rises Above
Life is a lotus flower that rises above sufferings of the past in order to prepare for the future.
– Phyllis Doyle Burns
With events worldwide threatening humanity, our way of life, our very existence, more people are looking within to embrace their potential, wisdom, and spirituality. Words that lift our spirits, (purity, devotion, ascension, enlightenment, and rebirth ), are no longer only for the spiritually adept – they are common thoughts among those who live a life of love, kindness and hope for a better world. Like the many petals of the lotus flower, there are many layers that make up who we are as individuals and as a collective civilization.
Underneath all those layers is a core nature, the very essence of who we are, our most important qualities. Those qualities are expressed in thoughts spoken or written out. Like seeds, those expressions can last for centuries as words of wisdom to help others learn and grow emotionally and spiritually, with love and compassion for all creation. Seeds of the lotus flower were found in ancient Egyptian tombs. After over 3000 years, the seeds were still able to grow and produce beautiful flowers, just as the inspirational words of a poet can last for generations.
Regardless of how we were raised, once we are old enough to have a mind of our own we have the ability to open our hearts and find our own path of truths. If we have experienced an abusive relationship, we have the ability to leave and live a life of love and beauty, just as a lotus flower rises above struggles of the past to become a symbol of peace, love and self-awareness.
The lotus plant is unattached to its environment, for it roots in mud and pushes up through murky water to set its bloom high above, where it is pure and unstained, to become a vision of elegance and beauty. We can do the same. To become unattached to that which was negative and not right for us, learn from it, then rise above it all is the mark of a beautiful mind, heart, and soul.
“One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus is untouched by water.”
– Bhagavad Gita
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© 2017 Phyllis Doyle Burns
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Nicely expressed and a message that needs to voiced to the masses, for that will be our salvation as a species in this time of trouble. Beautifully penned Phyllis.
Thank you so much, Tony. Take care. x
Phyllis,
Your meaning is conveyed beautifully in this poem. I especially appreciate the part where you wrote “Regardless of how we were raised, once we are old enough to have a mind of our own ……”. This message helps ease parents’ minds who have tried their utmost in raising their children, and still sometimes these beloved children make choices that make us want to pull out our hair, from the very roots, in frustration. But, it also in turn, makes us realize that we cannot blame our own bloodline for our bad choices, as well. We simply need to be accountable and endeavor to love others, forgive, and be at peace.
A most lovely post, Phyllis!
Thank you, Tamara. Actually, the message I conveyed is that children are raised on their parents beliefs, which may or may not be the right path for the child when he or she grows up. In that case it is up to the adult child to find their own truths, their spirituality. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Oh, yaaa…oops.
In agreement with Tamara, yet your correction regarding children being raised on the beliefs of their parents is often froth with friction as the child matures and struggles through life finding their own path. Your equation of the lotus seed raising up from the mud to it’s beauty is true of many children who rise up to excel. I’ve seen friends over the years who went on to achieve much success from backgrounds of abuse, alcohol and drug related confinements. I was one of them. I’ve had a number of successes and failures throughout my life, yet somehow, my angel has protected me and inspired me to grow and live. I hope that many children rise up and leave their past behind them as a faded memory. This work is very meaningful Phyllis, I hope many read it and keep in their hearts and souls your message. Bravo.
Thank you so much, Vincent, for your words of wisdom and very kind praise. You and Tamara both are correct, for there are two ways to look at it: from the parent’s side who tried their best, and from the child’s side who has to overcome abuse from parents who did not care. The way I wrote it is up for interpretation by the reader. Thanks again, Vincent.
Vincent,
Yes…
And we have that ability to rise above, but for some reason humanity is stuck in the mud. One can only hope that like the beauty of the lotus flower we can rise and spread the word of love and compassion and then be able to plant our own seed to endure through these harsh times. Thank you so much for sharing Phyllis lovely work.
You are most welcome, Paul. Thank you for the very wise comment and kind praise. Take care.