The cactus stands in the wind self-protective, with its piercing needles, crying “don’t come near me”, barring any damaging touch. Courageously, it faces hurling winds and blinding desert sand storms.

Gracing the crag with a regal stance, albeit its weather-worn appearance, it turns toward the sun reaching for its loving warmth. Its roots, having little time to deepen, reach out in multiple directions to build a sustaining lifestyle to weather the storms. It stores water, unsure when it will meet another refreshing embrace of rainfall or a long overdue drenching. When unexpected torrents come, it refuses to be washed away. Rather, it gathers life-giving water fervently, in great haste, for needed rejuvenation.

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter

Finding contentment within the harsh environment its seed landed in, it grows slowly. As it it does, it blooms, sharing its bliss in the yellow flowers it shoots forth. The beauty from within cannot be held back once bliss has been restored. Smiling gratefully toward the heavenly blue sky, peace and joy burst through a hardened shell and is shared with those who happen to take notice.

Bliss is spread throughout the day and passed out to others when they are looking for a reason for gladness within the madness of a seemingly unwelcoming world. An acceptance of what is, rather than what is sought, feeds the blooming bliss.

Our search will prove to be endless and fruitless if we seek to change others. We will find ourselves hardened and our hearts wounded. We should rather survey our own environment and seek fulfillment of our needs from the life-giver and our protector to survive and thrive.

When the art of of life is revealed to you in such a precious moment, capture it – feel your bliss – and share your unique bloom with the world.

In thoughtful bliss,

©Erika K Rothwell