"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." - Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta (563-483 BC).
The lotus does not grow in clean and clear waters. So too the soul does not grow unless immersed in the mire of this world.
From the mire, the lotus is fed. It is not hindered by the dank waters, but nurtured and made more beautiful against its swampy backdrop.
We are, all of us, born into this world and find ourselves in circumstances that could be seen as less than ideal.
Each of us, no matter what our combination of circumstances, spend our lives seeking the state of happiness. Prince or pauper, it matters not.
Even the Prince Siddharta sought happiness for himself and for others.
And through his seeking, his soul progresses, and he became the founder of Buddhism.
The circumstances that move through our lives are our benefactors. Though often seemingly less than ideal, these circumstances are the dank waters that spur our growth.
They are the food for our souls. And without them, we would find our progress stagnated and our souls unable to blossom.
What is more, is that we are the creators of the waters in which we grow.
The mire is of our making. And so if you have ever asked, "Why me?", know that this can only be answered by you. For you have chosen the waters in which you will blossom.
When we can understand this, not just intellectually but intrinsically, we begin to see each moment as providing a gift to our growth.
Each moment is created from within, created with the purpose of providing the opportunity to move forward in practice along the yogic path.
Each moment effectively moves you toward the soul's opening, toward the blooming of the lotus.
If you find yourself wishing that your moment were otherwise, that your circumstances were somehow different, you have lost sight of your inner wisdom. Lost sight of that which has drawn this moment to you.
To connect to this wisdom once more, release all judgements of the moment and cultivate the curiosity of a child.
Do not analyze it, for analysis is framed within the confines of the mind and the mind is limited by its attachments and aversions.
Do remember the wisdom of these words spoken by David Williams, an ashtanga/power yoga teacher: "Before you've practiced, the theory is useless. After you've practised, the theory is obvious."
Practice in the waters within which you grow best.
The rest shall become obvious.