Water lilies are one of the most beautiful flowers to behold. Floating on the top of the water with petals stretched wide open, they inspire reflection and serenity. Yet with the incredible beauty we see on the surface, we often forget its the muck they are rooted in that feeds them. Lilies thrive in conditions where their feet are rooted in mud and decaying vegetation. If it weren't for these conditions, lilies would not have the strength to flower in glory. Lilies rely on crap to survive. Not only don't they complain, they actually make the most of it. When we walk by a pond and see these wonderful flowers in all their radiance, we often forget that their source of life is clay, mud, and decay.Do we look at the crap in our own lives wishing it weren't there or do we embrace its value and find ways for it to feed us? I often find that the very circumstances I wish weren't present in my life are the ones that teach me the most about who I am. I'm incredibly inspired by people who on the surface are so beautiful yet when you look into the conditions of their lives, you find their growing conditions were full of crap. These inspiring people have embraced the lesson of the lily; draw strength and nourishment from the mud in their lives in order to open up and bloom.
Another aspect of lilies is that they are in fact anchored in all that muck. Their roots rely on those conditions for their very life. The heavy clay and mud is a necessity that holds their feet in place. How often do we try to uproot ourselves from the seemingly crappy environment we find ourselves in instead of realizing that it supports us and keeps us grounded? The fact is, we need the crap in our lives to keep us grounded, humble, and feeding the blossoms of the person we're meant to be.
So next time you find yourself with your feet figuratively in the mud and crap, think of the lily. Find nourishment in your conditions and to use an old phrase, bloom where you're planted.
Duane is founder of Connect2Action and an aspiring quiet,
reflective servant-leader. He is a
curious sage in perpetual development connecting all on a journey of discovery
of our highest purpose. Follow Duane on
Twitter @connect2action and connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+. Learn more about Connect2Action by visiting
www.connect2action.com.
You can follow his blogs at: mindfulperspectives.blogspot.com and
connect2action.blogspot.com
