No Mud, No Lotus – Beginning Anew

This piece is deeply personal to me. The Beginning Anew ceremony, created by Thich Nhat Hanh in Plum Village, is something I practice with my husband and two children. It’s a way to reflect, forgive, and move forward—together. The ceremony involves passing around flowers as each person shares openly, offering a moment to be truly seen and heard. In this watercolor painting, flowers appear to be washed away, symbolizing impermanence—a reminder that nothing is fixed and every moment is a chance to begin again. The phrase No Mud, No Lotus is woven into the piece as a meditation on growth: just as a lotus cannot bloom without mud, our own transformation requires us to embrace life’s challenges. While no lotus flower is depicted, the repeated phrase serves as a nod to Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings. A protea flower is featured prominently, chosen for its deep symbolism of resilience, renewal, and strength—qualities that remind us of our capacity to endure and transform. Details: Museum-qualit