It might be an understatement to say collectively we've all been going through a lot these days. Still and again there are big changes, inside and out. And though I imagine you prefer the happy, peaceful days, there is some value in weathering the storms and the dark days. Without them, we might not have opportunities to be brave and to beef up our resilience and our spiritual practice.
You've probably heard the saying, "No mud, no lotus." It refers to the lotus seed's journey from the darkness of the muddy bottom of a pond toward its blossoming in the light.
One's personal desire for spiritual awakening is much like a seed of a beautiful lotus blossom. The seed of the lotus has all the intelligence and evolutionary drive needed to blossom beautifully. The same is true for the seed of your desire for spiritual growth.
The lotus seed's tendril grows out of the mud and makes its way through the darkness toward the light, finally breaking through to the surface. It floats there and opens its blossom to the sun.
Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the lotus produces the most beautiful flowers each morning.
This can be analogous to the human condition and one's spiritual journey. You could even view personal challenges and suffering as essential nutrients for your growth.
No matter how difficult your life is or has been, what is going on in the world, what mistakes you may have made, what someone has done to you, or what you have done to them, you, too, have the ability to rise above even the most challenging circumstances, trust your movement toward the light, and bloom in perfection. There is a possibility to come out of difficulty with grace and ease.
As the late great poet John O'Donohue wrote in his poem, "For a New Beginning",
Though your destination is not yet clear You can trust the promise of this opening; Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning That is at one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
Each and every day, each and every moment, begin again, and trust the journey of your heart and your commitment to peace.
Thank you for creating more peace on this beautiful planet!
Sarah, Sue, Suzi and all of us at the Feast
P.S. Join me, Sarah, Sunday for a guided meditation. On Monday there are two to choose from, and there are more all through March! See the event calendar, here.
P.P.S. Check out the recorded Feast meditations on You Tube here
P.P.S. Here's a link to a short film featuring the insights on the mud and lotus from the late spiritual teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. Watch it here. | 
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