The majestic lotus flowers are highly glorified in varying parts of the world. In Buddhism, the lotus flower is considered to be a pure representation of internal peace and calmness.

Here is a reflection from me on our next Deepening Roots Zoom Gathering Tuesday – March 24^th – 4pm EDT.

Ernest Holmes stated that all suffering is the result of ignorance. At 84, I reflect on my years and share my insights on “suffering.”

We all, in this realm, have loss, grief, emotional, physical, mental trauma and suffering. I choose not to judge my or anyone’s suffering as ignorance, rather that there is a journey we are all on to awaken and value why we are here. I can honor the growth and new awareness for what I have experienced, and I have greater compassion for myself and others as a result.

I do not comprehend the depth of brutality within humanity we continue to see in our world where we have greater potential for awakening and new understanding (healing) than has ever been. Erasing the value of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion condones the stories where the worst of humanity continues and is passed on to new generations.

I know there are more Light workers for Peace and Equality than have ever been on our planet and more souls are coming through to rise to that intention.

I have let go personally of asking why’s in my life and live more by what is mine to do and face now that will lift me and carry me forward. That’s what defines the heart-print I bring to this life.

I denote 3 keys in the teachings of Jesus to the awakening of that which can bring greater peace to my soul. That is what I am here for, no matter what I move through.

LOVE – Matthew 22:37-40

• Loving God – (Not as an Anthropomorphic form – but as the Originating Cause that brought all into Being) – Loving with all my heart, might, soul and mind. All Life responds to Love. It’s the only thing I can evidence. And loving my neighbor, as myself.

FORGIVENESS – In Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiving myself and others.

• Forgive seventy times seven – In Hebrew numerology, the number seven stands for completion or divine perfection, while seventy represents seven multiplied by ten. The number ten is also considered a perfect or complete numeral. So, in effect what Jesus was saying was forgiveness should be without measure.

And BELIEF – Matthew 8:13- It is done unto us as we have believed. We are living what we are individually and collectively believing.

The unwillingness to see things in new light, taking accountability for our personal and collective history binds us to more suffering.

Knowledge does illuminate and set us free from the bondage of false beliefs and untruths we inherit and while it may not end all suffering it makes us stronger and provides a more compassionate path for future generations.

So – Is there a reason for suffering, or is it simply part of being human?

My soulful reflection: Suffering in this dimension is an experience. How I face it is the means of my soul evolution – for myself and for the planet. Living from Love, forgiving myself and others, and taking accountability for my beliefs has brought me an inner Peace beyond my defining. I believe on that soul level I do gain insight to my purpose here and it’s not about what I have suffered – it’s treasuring the divinity within my humanity. That’s when I feel heaven on earth.

With LOVE, Charles