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« Pet Parade | Main | (Imperfect)Self Kindness. »
Thursday
Jul292010

Lotus of Possibility

Lotuses have been influential in many cultures across the world from ancient times until today. They represent the human soul, purity, rebirth and enlightenment.

For me, most of all, lotuses represent possibility. I started using the lotus as a personal omen when I embarked on my creative journey years ago, and ever since then, its symbolic meaning has supported me in the creation of my dream life! (notice the lotus motif always there :)) The lotus reminds me that if I reach for the light, it is possible for me also, to rise above the muddy waters and create something utterly beautiful. Sigh. I do believe in that.

So you can understand why I am so excited to announce my collaboration with Bel Kai designs for the Shutter Sisters Capture Colllection! I really hope that this little lotus I photographed in Bali a few years ago, can go many places and be a reminder that anything is possible when we reach for the light. Besides, it is so pretty! I can't get mine off my neck!

And since this is the month of treasures here, you're in luck! All you have to do is leave a comment between now and Sunday at midnight PST, to be included in the random drawing of a "Possibility" necklace. But if you're so inclined, please do share an image that reminds you of possibility as well.

Reader Comments (102)

Amazing - both your message and the necklace! Thanks so much for sharing your story - it totally struck a chord with me! Possibilities... a subject I'm struggling with at the moment - and thus can't contribute a photo just now (will do later, if you'll still want to see it then...)
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterBrigitte
So beautiful! The colors are amazing!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMegan
this is rather lovely, soft and understated yet each individual petal stands out. enjoy your beautiful necklace - what an amazing reminder hanging around your neck!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mielandcompany/4663357191/
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenteramanda
The Capture Collection is such a great way to combine different art forms and show off some beautiful photography!

My possibility photo is of an incoming stormy sky. The possibility of rain brings the possibility of everything being refreshed. That clean, fresh smell, drops of water hitting your skin, and plants and flowers drinking in life. I love love love rain and we don't get it much in CA, so anytime there is a possibility of it coming, I get so excited!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chelscham/4841429126/
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterChelsea C
magical, that has really brightened up my day x
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterjens
Ooh, that is truly beautiful - I would love to win one of those!

Lilies have become important to me over the last few years, and this photo taken a few days ago, after all of the other lilies had long since bloomed, feels full of possibility and optimism to me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/polkadotcreations/4826462363/
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLisa Clarke
That lotus is amazing! I have always been drawn to lotus flowers (and, strangely enough, lily-pad flowers) as they symbolize renewal and rebirth for me. As I am going through some huge transitions in my own life, seeking rebirth and renewal from the old patterns and chains which have influenced much of my choices, I would love to wear this necklace proudly. And, in fact, I'm inspired to go out and take some lily-pad flower photos very soon!

Thanks, Alex, for this inspiring and beautiful image!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSara
Leave it to you to inspire! Thanks!!!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLaura O'Hanesian
so beautiful. and such a lovely sentiment, too!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterholly
I don't know if I've ever seen a lotus up close. They look beautiful. Thank you for the giveaway.
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterjoey
love it! i use the lotus as the symbol for my photography too. for me the symbolism of purity is the most meaningful. a lotus comes from a pond of dirt and mud. It grows up and out thru the water to the sky and blooms this beautiful lotus! it is one of the best ideas. and my name in sanskrit means purity as well! :) love it!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterPavithra
The necklace is beautiful, Alex! I love the concept of a growing flower of possibility. Sometimes, the flower has to rest and nurture itself and when the time is right, it blooms.

This made me think of a photo I took a while back right after my kitty passed away. We were very sad, as she had been a long-time companion, but we were also reminded of how precious this life is. My husband and I went to the beach and I found a dandelion. As we sat on the beach, we talked about the future and what is possible and we blew dandelion wishes at the water. This photos is a constant reminder of those wishes and what is possible:

http://www.darrahparker.com/blog/slice-of-life-tuesday-wish.html
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterdarrah parker
Love this!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterToni
song, song song ~

singing beauty this effervescent necklace

:)
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commentermaddie
Simple & Gorgeous = the perfect combination!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterDebra
OMG it is GORGEOUS!!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterJen Lee
anything is certainly possible. what a beautiful gift for whoever is blessed to receive it.
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterrebecca
Here's to the possibility of winning this gorgeous talisman from the talented Shutter Sisters crew. Cheers!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenter{Sarah}
Beautiful necklace, beautiful words.
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterHeather Plett
Love the necklace! Gorgeous!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenteraphrodite
Oh, how I love Alex and this collaboration - how beautiful!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterstefanie Renee
So pretty, and I love the meaning behind it!
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMary MacAskill
The necklace is gorgeous!!!

Here is a shot from my garden... so many possibilities there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristakruger/
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKrista Kruger
Possibility= a blank canvas, wearing new shoes out of the store, dialing the seventh digit of his phone number, smiling at the grouchy looking old man on the bus, pressing 'send' on that email to the publisher, turning the page of a good book, opening your eyes under water, chewing with your eyes closed, choosing with your first instinct,
...being yourself- even in front of strangers!
http://www.stephaniebolton.com
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterStephanie Bolton
love this ... embracing potential and possibility is a daily discipline
July 29, 2010 | Unregistered Commentersue
Each morning when I take in a long breath, stretch, and open my eyes... the opportunity
for possibilities has begun once again!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterNancy/April Fool
so i am fresh out of grad school and getting ready to apply for my dream job. oh the possibility...
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered Commenteralisa joy
My life is all about possibility right now! I posted recently about dreaming big when it comes to my photography!
Http://rirealmom.wordpress.com
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKathy
So lovely!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterelflyn
how beautiful - the photo, the necklace, and the sentiments.
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSharon
Oh wow, what a fantastic idea & such a beautiful outcome! Love this & the generosity for a lucky winner!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKatherine
It is beautiful. We adopted a daughter from Korea when she was 3 years old. She died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 25------twelve years ago last week. This necklace reminds me of her.
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterpatricia
Being in the midst of a transformation myself, this would be a daily reminder all the is good and possible in life.
Peace.
Christine
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterChristine
I think that's a gorgeous necklace: congratulations on your new endeavor!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterNTE
I love the message of a lotus. It's why I wanted to use it in my business name, though I have since changed my mind. Still, there is something so magical about the idea of beauty rising up from the muddy water.
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth
The lotus is a very important symbol in my life and who I am as a person; I even named my photography business Red Lotus Photography. It is a symbol that reminds me of the infinite potential that we all possess. I look to the lotus to remind me of where I've been, and the hope I have for the future. This necklace is gorgeous!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSandy
When I think of possibilities...I think about this quote by Geroge Bernard Shaw ~ "The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react." I believe life is full of possibilities and that dreams can come true but one must act upon it. Here's my possibility picture, I like the quote on it too, it ties in to my possibility message: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueelephantphotography/4733689441/
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkristine
Can't put into words how beautiful this necklace is!!!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterAndi
I too love the lotus. I first became acquainted with it while studying Buddhism and have loved it ever since. Lovely necklace design as well! Thank you for the opportunity to win such a lovely piece of jewelry!!
July 30, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMariah
Your necklace is simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing its meaning for you and for having this giveaway. The lotus has always held a special magic for me as well.
July 31, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterPamela Sweet
What gorgeous necklace!
July 31, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSamantha
Thank you, everyone! I am so completely thrilled! I love all your comments ;) It truly means so much to me to send a beautiful message to the world via my work. Love xoxx
July 31, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterAlex
Beautiful!

My image of possibility...my young and innocent daughter in her twirly skirt, ready to take on the world... I love this and hope that I have a heart like her even as an adult...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48819780@N05/4813186704/
July 31, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterStacey
Your necklace is a beautiful reflection of possibility and hope. Thanks for sharing such beauty.
July 31, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkrisann
Oh it's gorgeous!
August 1, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterClare
I really love the way this is used and congratulations on the collaberation. The lotus inspires me and how lovely to carry it near the throat chakra--where the courag eto speak my truth resides.
XO-
August 1, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterbridge
possibility. i love it. i have just begun yoga and love this post!
August 1, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkaley
Alex... This necklace is sooo Beautiful. I just had to buy it! I am looking forward to receiving it and will be sending loving thoughts your way whenever I wear it.
August 5, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKaren
Thank you for creating this beautiful necklace
August 5, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSara
this would be SUCH a beautful talisman for the journey i am currently on. what strikes me most about the lotus is that it grows up through the mud, BUT, the muddy water does not adhere to it! what a beautiful picture to remind us that the struggles in our lives do NOT have to stick to our petals...

and here is a link to my picture representing possibility: http://reddirtgirlphoto.blogspot.com/2010/08/will-you-still-need-me-will-you-still.html
August 8, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterlauren martin gauthier

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