There is the mud, and there is the lotus that grows out of the mud. We need the mud in order to make the lotus.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Lotus flowers hold deep symbolism in many contemplative traditions and cultures, reflecting various aspects of spiritual awakening, purity, potential, resilience, rebirth, and creation. Along with the more obvious “beauty growing out of the mud” metaphor, I find these flowers pull me like a magnet towards my potential.
Here’s why…
The first few years of my photography journey focused solely on subjects in my own garden. This paralleled my mindfulness journey, through which I learned to tap into inner sources of contentment and happiness rather than seeking those treasures externally. Garden photography reinforced the lesson that wonder and awe are always available right in my own back yard.
In the summer of 2017, I took myself on an Artist Date to my first visit of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC, specifically to photograph lotus flowers. I had no idea that little trip would spark a process of quantum personal growth. I learned that even though my own garden was and is “enough,” it was also safe to step outside of that known boundary.
Rereading the blog post I wrote about that day, I see it happened just a couple of weeks before I became an Empty Nester. “With empty nest-hood just a few weeks away,” I wrote, “who knows where the road will lead?”
My oh my. What a beautiful journey it’s been.
I picked this new bouquet of Kenilworth photographs just a few weeks before the next session of my Surviving and Thriving in Your Empty Nest: Mindful Tools to Stay Fulfilled, Focused, and Moving Forward workshop. I can’t wait to share the practices that I know from personal experience contribute to a flourishing, purposeful life. (Heads up if you’re local and interested in the workshop — the Early Bird price expires at midnight on July 10th!)
Lotus flowers pulled me into the wider world. They taught me that I don’t need to confine myself to limiting definitions of who I am, what my style is, and what I’m capable of. This is why the lotus will always hold a special place in my heart.
A New Bouquet of Lotus and Water Lilies From Me to You
And with that, here is my 2019 photo bouquet from Kenilworth. I always love to hear which are your favorites! I slapped on some quick titles as place holders. If you have other suggestions, please share! And if you like the title, let me know that too!
