Gifts of the Lotus is a meditation that begins by exploring the symbolism of the lotus flower.
In various cultures,
The lotus is seen as a symbol of purity,
Enlightenment,
Self-regeneration and rebirth.
Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for our human condition.
Even when its roots are in the dirtiest and murkiest of waters,
The lotus produces the most beautiful flower.
Begin by finding a peaceful place where you can sit or lie down comfortably,
Allowing yourself to settle in,
Adjusting your posture as needed.
Invite you to take a deep breath and as you exhale,
Gently closing your eyes if that's comfortable.
Let's take a few more deep breaths,
Inhaling in the peace and serenity we are after and exhaling away anything that do not serve us right now.
Now let's bring to mind the image of a lotus flower.
Reflect on its journey rooted in the depths of murky waters.
Yet it grows towards the light emerging on the surface with an immaculate bloom.
This lotus represents your own ability to rise above challenges and bloom into the purest form.
With each breath,
Visualize your lotus flower in vivid detail.
The pink petals,
The sturdy stem and the wide lily pad like leaves floating on the water's surface.
Each petal is a testament to your strength,
Each leaf a chapter of your story.
And as you sit with this image,
Consider the roots of your own lotus.
They may be in muddy waters,
May be representing the difficult times you have faced or are facing.
Acknowledging them without judgment is the practice.
It is from this place that our lotus,
Your inner self,
Will begin to rise.
Now imagine a warm golden light beginning to shine down upon you.
Like the first rays of dawn,
The light is filled with love and compassion.
It touches the waters gently,
Encouraging your lotus to grow,
To move towards the surface.
Feel this ascent as a gentle rising within you.
With each breath,
You are drawing closer to the light,
Feeling lighter,
More at peace.
Notice the water around you becoming clearer as you rise.
This clarity is a reflection of your mind,
A state of serenity and understanding which is not too far away.
And as your lotus reaches the surface,
It begins to bloom.
Petal by petal,
Each one unfolding a quality within you.
Love,
Kindness,
Compassion,
Gratitude,
Acceptance,
Joy,
Peace,
Creativity.
With each breath,
These petals open wider.
And when you feel these qualities growing within you,
Becoming more pronounced,
More a part of who you are,
Now take some time in the space to bask in the warmth of the sun.
With each breath,
The golden light continues to bathe your lotus.
You can feel its warmth in your heart,
Its glow in your mind,
Its energy infusing your spirit with vibrancy.
Let this warmth be a beacon of positivity,
Guiding you through the rest of your day.
Imagine it as a protective shield,
Ensuring that your lotus stays pure and unaffected by the waters.
And as we begin to close this short practice,
Start to become aware of the room around you.
Feel the surface you are on,
The air against your skin,
The clothes on your body.
And keep with you the image of this lotus and the feelings and emotions it evoked.
And when you feel ready,
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes,
Slowly opening your eyes if it were closed,
And returning to your surroundings with a sense of renewal and peace,
Carrying the gifts of the lotus with you.
Remembering the strength,
Beauty and purity you hold within.
Thank you for practicing with me.
I'm Nikhil.
Hope to see you all soon.
