I love to stop and smell the roses, literally. There are roses in the garden in my courtyard. There are roses in my neighborhood where I often walk and I love to stop and smell them. Their scent is a high vibration that does indeed lift me high. Flowers have so much to teach us.
How wonderful it is to live like a rose. To be part of a community of beauty and inspiration. Offering our gifts and talents graciously and gratefully without worry or comparison. You notice that a rose can be completely magnificent without worrying that its expression will diminish a neighboring rose. There is such freedom in the rose’s expression. When I see the rose I am reminded of beauty, generosity, Love, grace and so much more! I am also reminded of one of my favorite poems.
I encourage you to meditate on this beautiful poem by Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks. What a treasure! Enjoy!
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What Was Said to the Rose
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What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me here in my chest.
What was told the Cypress that made it strong
and straight, what was
whispered the jasmine so it is what it is, whatever made
sugarcane sweet, whatever
was said to the inhabitants of the town of Chigil in
Turkestan that makes them
so handsome, whatever lets the pomegranate flower blush
like a human face, that is
being said to me now. I blush. Whatever put eloquence in
language, that’s happening here.
The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,
chewing a piece of sugarcane,
in love with the one to whom every that belongs!
Poem by Jalaluddin Rumi,
translation ©2005 — Coleman Barks