WHY THE LOTUS BLOOMS by Tara Anand

Why The Lotus Blooms: Choosing To Stand Tall" is a memoir I wrote for every woman or mother facing challenges similar to mine. Someone so busy striving to excel in her roles of mother, wife, daughter ... that unknown to her, she slowly loses touch with her inner self.

If some day, forced to face this crushing loss, she decides—as I did—to set out on a journey to reclaim herself, she is likely to face stiff internal and external opposition at every step. This book is a tender offering for her so she does not feel so alone—I hope it will comfort her so she can keep choosing to follow her heart fearlessly.

Each chapter of my memoir begins with a poem I penned contemplating my innermost struggles at the time. 'Why The Lotus Blooms'—the poem I am sharing today—provides the theme for my book, and is one among many that feature in it.

The lotus flower is very precious to me. Whenever I find myself discouraged by the apparent challenges and struggles we must all face in the world, she inspires me to rise above my muddy emotions — and faithfully take the next nervous step in the direction of what's wholesome and true.

Why the Lotus Blooms

The seed was released;
alone herself she found;
Pitch heavy darkness
weighed down all around.

“Where, what, why …?”
- bewildered, she cried.
After a short while,
gathering herself, she sighed

“There must be a purpose
to my being here
I have to believe -
in time it will be clear”

Trembling all the while,
emerging from her shell,
she sent her roots down
to anchor in the bed.

Groping in dull waters,
she looked around confused -
relieved to see above her
a golden beam diffused.

Reaching for the shimmer,
she extended herself up,
trudging through the mire
without the slightest fuss.

She rose to the surface
- by now a reticent bud
savoring the air,
stood tall above the mud.

Warm rays embraced her
and lovingly kissed her face;
She had made her way home
… with splendor & grace

Her joyous petals whispered …
“inspire them, tell your story”
so laying bare her heart …
she bloomed … in all her glory.

(To obtain your own copy of Tara's new book, click here)

Tara Anand is a Couples Therapist and a Mindfulness & Yoga Practitioner who has experienced first-hand how severely the quality of a marriage can impact the lives of couples and their children. She helps couples mindfully work through conflicts and learn new skills to help foster a heart-to-heart connection. She has shared her journey in her memoir, "Why the Lotus Blooms: Choosing to Stand Tall". and can be contacted via her website.

*For submission guidelines, click here.*

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