✨ "It does not matter if you are a rose or a lotus or a marigold. What matters is that you are flowering." - Rajneesh

🌼 Day 7: ORANGE - Marigolds
"Herbs of the Sun"
Digital Art

🔆 Marigolds are popular within South Asian cultures due to their vibrant yellow & gold color, which symbolizes the sun with all its brightness & positive energy. They are typically used within weddings & religious rituals.

😞 While I may have planned every detail of a stereotypical Big Fat South Asian Wedding down to the finest specifics, such as the flowers & jewelry, it didn't happen.

🥀 My Dad passed on & life was rocky for all in our own ways. As years went by, we were all regaining our sense of self on some levels again. Until my Mom was diagnosed as well & she too passed. Life was rocky yet again.

🥀 The illusionary thoughts & emotions of looking far into the future & being attached to the outcome we tend to label as a "soon to be reality" provides us with a suffering that WE unnecessarily created for ourselves. Looking into the past & future with attachment just causes more pain than gain.

🥀 I not only mourned the loss of my parents, but also their presence & everything that came with them being around, especially when major societal & inner milestones were achieved. Experiences such as attending other family gatherings/weddings were actually traumatizing to an extent - only to be reminded over & over again of all that I wouldn't be able to experience for myself.

🔆 However, I wasn't seeing the experiences within a clear light. These life events as well as other intimate encounters prior & post, coupled with spirituality, creativity, & Occupational Therapy, have all changed my mind set on the art of living life - including weddings.

💕 We ended up getting engaged, planning our wedding, & getting married all in a matter of 3-4 weeks. Found a spot to hold 30 some people in an eco-friendly manner.

🙏🏽 I remembered my parents by setting a memorial table aside for them. I also remembered them through wearing the jewelry & planned reception outfit that I bought with my Mom & my Dad would have really appreciated the minimal expense, time, & guest list. 😂