The start of a new year inspires many of us to ‘clean up our act.’ We focus on what we’re doing wrong and vow to do things differently in the future. As January unfolds, the good/bad sides of our nature do battle.

Rather than go to war, would it be possible to send a little love and acceptance our way? When our thinking gets stressful, we might ponder and emulate the life of a flower.

A flower is truly present and centered in its being. From its origins as a seed, it allows the life force to move through it to unfold the blueprint for its nature. It doesn’t question or agonize about what it is. It allows time to reveal its beauty.

A flower trusts it will be provided for, that it will receive the temperatures, air, water, sunshine and nutrition it needs to grow. Then it does the best with what it is given. It may be a rainy or dry season, or it may encounter physical damage from animals or humans or bad soil. Without complaint, the flower follows its destiny.

A flower doesn’t force the growth process. It accepts the pace of germinating, sprouting, developing, budding and flowering. Nor does it resist the inevitable disintegration that completes the cycle.

If the flower is a rose, it doesn’t wish it were a daisy. It minds its own business, content to participate in its own self-expression and radiate its unique and incredible beauty.

Of course, human life is much more complex than that of a flower. But does it have to be as complex as we make it? May we not choose to adopt the serenity of a flower?

“Why be afraid, beautiful one?
Nothing is required of you.
Truly.
Simply breathe and be the perfect expression of love that you already are.
Everything else is gravy.”
-- Jennifer Louden

“When we stop opposing reality, action becomes simple, fluid, kind, and fearless.”
– Byron Katie

Resources
Self Acceptance - Embrace yourself and life more naturally and fully
Awareness Exercises - Push your awareness limits

A Reminder
Weekly Re-Treat Yourself Process – Take time to focus on goals, balance and peace of mind.