Live Just Like the Lotus

Nithya Venkat enjoys writing about nature and different aspects of life in the form of poetic verses.

The source of inspiration for these poems is the word prompt "Adapt" provided by Brenda Arledge in the "Word Prompts Help Creativity Week - 52" series.

Brenda Arledge is a dear friend and fellow writer who inspires us to write with her word prompts.

Thank you, Brenda, for inspiring me to write.

Try to live just like the lotus, adapt to circumstances, face challenges, and emerge unscathed from what life throws at us.

The lotus flower is rooted to the muddy surface at the bottom of the lake. It grows above murky waters to reach the surface and blooms as the sun rises. The leaves shake off the water droplets, float on the surface, and absorb the sun's energy. Even though the leaves float on the water, they remain unaffected.

The lotus blooms when the sunrises and closes at sunset. As it closes, the lotus submerges into the water, only to emerge and bloom again with the renewed hope of celebrating another day.

The submerging and emerging of the lotus represents life, death, and rebirth. The lotus seeds can survive droughts and germinate after thousands of years by adapting to the changing environment.

The lotus flower adapts itself to the environment and blooms despite difficult circumstances. It shakes off the muddy waters, grows up towards the sunlight, and blossoms with renewed energy.

Even though the lotus is rooted to the muddy surface at the bottom of the lake, it is clean and fresh when it blooms. It does not let the muddy water sully its appearance.

All these characteristics of the lotus have led to the flower being held sacred and revered in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Egypt, the lotus is considered a symbol of rebirth and resurrection.

Live Just Like the Lotus

Just like the lotus that floats on water

Do not let the weight pull you down

Shake off the falling water droplets

Clinging on you will only drown

Just like the lotus floating on the surface

Braving the thunder lighting the storm

The lotus stays strong, never gives up

Rooted firmly always in stunning form

Blooming day after day never sinking

Appearing with the sun rays that shine

The lotus smilingly nods her head

Believing that each day will be divine

The leaves ever so gently float

Shaking off the falling water drops

Never letting the weight pull down

The waxy coating rolling them off

The lotus rises again to bloom

In all its glorious colors and hues

Just like the lotus, we must live

Search and you will find the clues

Tell Me Your Secret

Tell me your secret, dear lotus

How do you do what you do

You rise above the muddy waters

Blooming with the caress of the sun's rays

You shine resplendent in divine beauty

You bask in the warm sunshine

So much in peace with yourself

Floating, dancing with the wind

Gently swaying with each ripple

Though drenched now and then

You shake off the falling droplets

You remain afloat

Maintaining your stance

Free from the muddy waters

Dear lotus

Tell me your secret

I, too, wish to be like you

Strong, resilient, gentle

Rising above staying afloat

Riding high on the waves of life

Living day after day

With renewed hope

Quotes About the Lotus

Here are some wonderful quotes about the lotus -

“Just like the lotus we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of darkness and radiate into the world." - Unknown

“From the mud of adversity grows the lotus of joy.” - Carolyn Marsden

“As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinion of the world.” - Buddha

“If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.” - Masaru Emoto.

"Water surrounds the lotus flower but does not wet its petals.” - Buddha.

“As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water, and rises out of the water to stand above it unsoiled, so I born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world." - Buddha

The lotus flower is a reminder of the beauty that comes from change, the magic that a new beginning brings, and the seed of potential that’s buried in the most unlikely place.” - Jennifer Willaimson

© 2022 Nithya Venkat