Awakening

The lotus flower begins its life underwater. Beneath the surface, surrounded by darkness, in muddy waters, the lotus flower begins to sprout. Despite this displeasing environment, the flower overcomes all obstacles to blossom above the surface of the water into its pure and beautiful form.  Here, the lotus experiences light and freedom.  It is awakened from the darkness.  That darkness, while seemingly unpleasant, is what gives life and beauty to the flower.  

As such, our winter months give us the time to draw inward.  As winter fades away, and spring sets in, there is an energy that seems to grow. This year that energy is ten fold. After a winter of short days, long nights, snowstorm after snowstorm, and temperatures reaching unbearable lows, the veil is finally lifted from us. The world looks fresh and new. We see things with new eyes.  

Today as I sipped coffee, I watched the sun rise and listened to the birds chirping. I noticed the soft buds beginning to bloom on my magnolia tree.  As winter finally slips away, its as if I'm seeing this all for the first time. Spring is about birth and rebirth. Plants, trees, flowers, come back into bloom.  We feel energized and light hearted.  We appreciate the world around us. 

For all of us who have drawn inward in an effort to stay warm and cozy this winter, it is finally time to open up and feel energized.  The lotus flower represents awakening, enlightenment, and heart opening. Open your heart to energy and happiness.  Enjoy, honor, and cherish every moment that is given to you.

"As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water, and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world, having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world."