Easter memories. Many of mine are of special moments when life seemed filled with promise. Of course now I understand, that from a spiritual perspective, we are the promise.
When young, it seems we think that life’s “promise” is external to “self.” Something we have to find or build, something we have to do, something other people might create for us. Children, for instance, are often part of this equation. Our idea of “promise” is sometimes caught up in the lives of our children: what they are doing, how things are going, and so on.
Yes, those elements of promise are all external.
They allow us to avoid development of our spiritual worlds. They put the focus on someone or something else.
When, spiritual realization, must always come from within.
So, for Easter, or anytime really, release other people from creating your happiness. From giving your life meaning and purpose.
Look within for what has always been there … waiting for you to notice. Contentment. Peace. Joy. A sense of spiritual promise.
It’s really a simple matter of taking responsibility for ourselves in a way that doesn’t create misery for other people. That doesn’t drain other people with unreasonable demands and endless requests. It never works. It never will work.
For the answers, the comfort and happiness we seek, is primarily found within.
I grew some hollyhocks a few years ago and there was something so inspiring about them. They stood tall and bright, yet, caring for them was so simple. Water and sunlight. Basic elements of nature. Not high-maintenance, yet, so lovely to be around, to contemplate.
We could all learn a few things from this colorful summer plant. This flower that has been around forever. The hollyhock attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. From Landscape America …
The name “hollyhock” has been used to refer to the flowers in England since the 13th century, although it was originally spelled holihoc, a portmanteau of holi, for holy, and hoc, for mallow. The plant was also referred to as St. Cuthbert’s Cole, suggesting that it may have been included in religious gardens such as those at churches and monasteries.
While all flowers offer tremendous beauty, I’ve always loved the poetry of hollyhocks. How they look delicate, yet, strong. How they are part of my childhood memories.
Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom.
They just open up and turn toward the light and
that makes them beautiful.
~Jim Carrey
- Hollyhocks have inspired artists and poets over the years.
Take French painter, Bertha Morisot, for instance.
Roses Tremieres(hollyhocks), oil on canvas, dates back to 1884. You can see the original at the Musee Marmottan Monet in Paris. She also painted Child Among Hollyhocks in 1881. Morisot was one of the Impressionists and prints of her work can be found online if you are interested.
- Edgar A. Guest wrote a poem called “Hollyhocks” that closes with these words:
The mind’s bright chambers, life unlocks
Each summer with the hollyhocks.
- You can find the poem in its entirety at Plant Whatever Brings You Joy by Kathryn Hall.
Happy Easter weekend to all.
Blog by DazyDayWriter @ work in SunnyRoomStudio: all rights reserved.
