JEN YOUNG COUNSELING

When the lotus first begins to sprout, it is under water, making its home in lakes and ponds in areas where the water remains fairly still on the surface. But underneath the surface, the lotus is surrounded by mud and muck and by fish, by insects, and simply dirty, rough conditions. Despite these conditions, the lotus flower maintains strength, and pushes aside each of these dirty obstacles as it makes its way to clearer surfaces. Despite being born into dark, murky conditions, where hope for such beautiful life seems dubious, the lotus grows, and rises above adversity. It is pure, and bright, and beautiful and the bud of the lotus symbolizes potential. The lotus flower represents an awakening, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. Just as the lotus flower emerges from the water clean, the lotus also represents purity of body, speech, and mind. The lotus could be thought of as an awakened mind, which grows naturally toward the warmth and light of truth, love, and compassion. The lotus may appear fragile on the surface, but it is flexible and strong, securely anchored under the surface of the water. I believe human beings are just like the lotus flower. Many of us live in that murky water, and never make it to the surface so we can blossom. Many of us are closed; we are just buds, ready and eager to feel the sunshine of life on our skin. No matter which stage of life you are in, I’m sure you can relate to this lotus and see yourself in this story. The conditions that produce beautiful life are not always ideal, but that never stops the lotus from rising through adversity, opening its petals, and blossoming in the sun.