I am still riding the wave of a silent retreat last weekend. I wrote about it for Slice of Life and This Photo Wants to be a Poem. Our guide, my friend Susan, gave us a small notebook. The jottings I made are feeding my poetic soul while I busily prepare for NCTE next week.
One of the meditations took place around a lotus pond.
The Lotus Pond
The lotus is a flower that grows in muddy ponds and swamps. It is a symbol of spiritual growth and enlightenment. In the midst of difficult or chaotic circumstances, one can remain grounded and find inner peace and clarity.
Lotus Water
Mindful listening
Margaret Simon, draft
gazing every moment-change
Nothing can be forced
Reflections on the Teche 
I’m trying not to be too envious of your silent retreat. I’ve had so much information given to me in the past month, I’d love some silence to process it all. Your poem for ‘This Photo’ and the photo itself are stunning. What a cool prop for a garden. I love the lotus flower because when I made a journey to the remote hometown of one of my children’s orphanages, it was surrounded by lotus fields…the very grimy mud grew the most beautiful (and edible) flowers. I know the roots of the lotus have strength that my child has brought with them into our life together. I am grateful. It is true, ‘nothing can be forced.’ I’m grateful for the family that came to me in an untraditional way…love could not be forced…it did grow.
I love how this small poem led you to that lovely memory.
Oh, my. I had no idea that this was a lotus. I love them, and the peace and calm they have brought me. For so many years, at my favorite botanic garden, I was drawn to what I assumed were water lilies, searching them out each summer, and once, even watching as the morning sun grew stronger and the closed petals opened. I have many “water lily” poems I shall now embark on changing….: )
I think the photo on my Poetry Friday icon is a water hyacinth. They are similar in that they band together on the surface of the water.
Thank you for your generous poem offering pause and reflection. The lotus’ 🪷 strength and resilience rings true in your poem, love this line, “gazing every moment-change” so much in these few words. Thanks also for your gorgeous image!
What a fantastic (and well-timed) gift you gave yourself…and are passing along to us in bits and pieces and poems. Thank you!
Thank you, Margaret. I love hearing about your retreat – what a gift! Will miss seeing you at NCTE. Maybe I’ll get back next year.
I’m happy that you had the retreat, Margaret, probably very needed before busy NCTE. But wishing you fun with friends and learning, etc. I enjoy going so much! Having patience for a bloom, the beauty expected, makes the meditation & wait sound very good.
A silent retreat sounds peaceful … but challenging. Your lotus reflection and photo are beautiful. Thank you for the glimpse into that quiet place.
Small words, big idea, beautiful photograph and poem.
Gosh, to drink in a lotus pond on a silent retreat! So happy for you, Margaret. I’m sure it was rejuvenating. Hope NCTE continues that for you.
Margaret, it is a delight to see the healing and self-love you’ve brought back from the silent retreat continuing to nurture you a week later and–I’m sure–into the future. I love the lines “mindful listening” and “Nothing can be forced.” Looking forward to seeing you next week.
A silent retreat sounds like heaven! Your poem and picture have given me a moment of peace this morning. Thank you.
I’m in the noisy retreat camp–give me a brook that babbles anyday, or band of 60 women beating drums–but hey, to each our own! Either way, yes, nothing can be forced, only flown through.
The retreat ended with a sound bath. Susan played singing bowls, windchimes, and harp, and filled the air with her amazing chanting. She is a gem who I am lucky to have access to. She came to my house on my birthday and gave me a private sound bath. Amazing!
A silent retreat–I am swooning. I love “Nothing can be forced.” This will be my least organized NCTE ever. I’m ready for my session, but everything else, I will just be gazing…taking in. No forcing. See you soon!
I wish I could say the same. I’m stressed.
Your silent retreat sounds heavenly. Thanks for this moment of mindfulness. xo