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“As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of 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

I always knew what a lotus flower was, but I never put much thought into it until I started reading about Buddhism. I think the whole concept of the lotus flower relates really well to my goal of trying to maintain my sense of self regardless of what and/or who I am surrounded by. The lotus flower is born in the mud, in the dark, and eventually, it reaches light, becoming a beautiful flower. Despite the environment the lotus flower was born into, it is able to remain untainted by it and blossom into something beautiful. It's life begins in the dark, muddy water, but the lotus flower possesses the capability to rise above it.

I did not grow up in the greatest of environments and my current living situation isn't exactly ideal. However, I am learning to understand that I can be well, act effectively, and maintain my sense of self regardless of my environment. While it can be difficult at times, difficult does not equal impossible. Outside circumstances will certainly always have some kind of impact on a person's inner world. I think the key here is to remember that even when outside forces effect a person's sense of self, it does not have to diminish it. A person doesn't have to fall apart as a result of encountering any sort of negative situation. One can take the negativity in their life and use it to fuel positive changes, allowing them to progress forward in their life.

In the end, I think that by conquering struggles, one's sense of self and purpose will flourish. I know in Buddhism the lotus flower symbolizes purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and re-birth. While my perception may be a bit off, I think I believe that the darkness anyone is born into is ultimately what aids a person in becoming enlightened. Maybe not the actual darkness, but rather, the ability to preserve one's essence of self throughout that darkness. When all is said and done, despite where a person came from, every human being possesses the potential to rise above their difficulties and advance into something beautiful.

This also reminds me of the concept of resiliency. Even though I still find myself reacting intensely to certain situations, I have noticed how I am able to bounce back so much faster than in the past. I get knocked down, but I don't stay down, and I don't let everything around me fall down with me. It's not so black-and-white anymore. While I still need to work on my emotional intensity at times, I do see that I can experience something intensely, and then move on, without getting caught up in the emotion and/or situation. This shows that I am capable of maintaining my sense of self, my insight, and my progress, regardless of what is occurring in my surroundings and regardless of whatever the intensity of my initial reaction may be. Furthermore, I can continue to prosper, refusing to allow my environment to reduce the person I am and the goals I intend on achieving.