Flowers in the Desert

Day 54

“Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.”

– Bernard Williams

My sister told me about her day at school today. She teaches ESL and her lesson plan involved her students sharing a story related to the topic she was teaching. She shared one student’s story with me. This young man, at 16 years old, was persecuted and tortured for speaking about his beliefs. Eventually, he and his family escaped their country, and made their way to freedom on the other side of the world. The part that stands out the most for me is that regardless of the horrible experiences this now 20 year old boy has already been through, he is always smiling and grateful.

He is always smiling and grateful.

I asked the Universe to help me tune into abundant joy a few days ago, and I’ve attracted this story to help guide me on my own path to joy. I’m humbled by people who have experienced extreme hardship, and yet they are completely happy with their lot in life, or happy despite it. Some of the happiest people I’ve ever met had nothing – no homes, no money, they didn’t know where their next meal was coming from, and yet they were happy. Really happy. Their heart felt laughter was infectious, and their generosity of spirit was incredible.

I’m amazed and inspired by how this young man is able to tune into joy in the face of so much adversity. I believe that his story has something to teach us – it teaches us that joy and beauty come from within, and no matter what you experience, you can still be happy.

This story made me think of the floods in Chile’s Atacama desert last March. Although at least 28 people were killed in the torrential downpours, the rains left behind a rich tapestry of exotic flowers that have radically transformed the usually bone-dry desert.

With adversity comes strength, an ability to overcome obstacles, a radical transformation within. The human spirit is resilient and has an unimaginable capacity to bounce back after a storm, leaving us with more magnificent inner beauty and strength than before – the kind of beauty that springs like wild flowers in the desert.

Young man – I applaud your spectacular display of courage, strength and tenacity. I encourage you to share your story with anyone who will listen. You have made an impact on me and I’ve never even met you. Imagine how many flowers in the desert can bloom from your story!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!