This has me thinking about the symbolism of the lotus. Why is the lotus such a prevalent image when it comes to personal growth? Why this flower more so than other flowers? Maybe because it reminds us of the famous words spoken by mindfulness meditation teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh ... no mud, no lotus. In a culture where beauty and speed are highly valued, it is easy to disregard, disown or become bitter toward parts of ourselves and our past that feel heavy, dark, messy and slow moving.
Yet, so many of the world’s most beautiful things begin in darkness. The lotus rises through mud and murky water to bloom in the sun, just as seeds push through soil, pearls form in hidden shells, and butterflies emerge from dark cocoons. Gemstones take shape deep underground, and stars are born in vast, black nebulae. Even in our own lives, growth often begins in shadows, through grief, stillness, or silence. Like dreams, creative inspirations, or a new life in the womb, beauty often stirs first in unseen places, reminding us that the dark is not our enemy, but is often a place of sacred beginnings.
The lesson from the lotus is to embrace it ALL...the dark and the light, the sadness and the joy, the mess and the beauty, the mud and the blossom. 
"Not Knowing" by Kai Siedenburg
from her book, Space Between the Stones
...I am willing to have the patience to wait until the mud settles and my mind is clear,
to trust the fertility of stillness, to seek the clearer, brighter light that burns just beyond the dark shadows.
May we each patiently continue to invest in our own blossoming
Sending you all wishes for peace, health & happiness, now and always.
Namaste,
Rev Shelley
As always, please feel free to email me or text (860-965-9995) with any class related questions.
