The Lotus Within: Finding Your Center in a World of Stories
Are you living someone else’s story?
In our search for meaning, we often cling to stories that have already been written for us. These narratives offer comfort, whether it's the zodiac signs explaining our personalities, societal expectations shaping our roles, or family dynamics determining who we "should" be. When we're lost or confused, it’s easy to grab onto these ready-made answers because they seem to provide clarity. They make life easier to understand—at least, for a while.
But those stories aren’t ours. They’re someone else’s.
When I was searching for my own sense of purpose, I, too, fell into this trap. I tried to make a story fit because, frankly, it was easier than facing the unknown. We are storytellers by nature—our brains crave patterns and meanings—and it's no wonder that we’re so easily attached to these narratives. Entire industries, from astrology to social media, thrive on storytelling. And when you're lost, it feels safer to adopt a story that’s already been laid out than to navigate the discomfort of finding your own.
But that comfort can come at a price. When we adopt stories that don’t belong to us—whether it's “I’m this way because of my zodiac sign,” or “People from my background always end up like this”—we risk losing touch with our true selves. We start pouring energy into roles that don’t resonate with who we really are. That’s where the disharmony begins. We may even find ourselves stuck, struggling with feelings of emptiness or depression because we’re living a life that doesn’t feel right.
Astrology, societal labels, or any external framework can offer insight, yes. But they should never define you. These stories are tools, not identities. They might help you see the different aspects of yourself—the light and the shadow—but they aren’t the whole picture. They’re stepping stones toward understanding, not the destination.
When we peel back these layers—the labels, the roles, the expectations—we begin to see our true selves emerge. This is where the real journey begins. It’s not about living up to someone else’s story; it’s about writing your own.
Ask yourself: What feels true to me? What parts of my identity have I adopted simply because they made sense at the time?
We are each unique, even when raised in the same household or under the same circumstances. Our energy, our experiences, our perspectives are entirely our own. Just because two people grow up in the same environment doesn’t mean their journeys will look the same. Even the smallest details—perhaps the way the stars aligned on the day of your birth—can create a blueprint that is yours alone.
Yet, so often, when we’re searching for meaning, we take on other people’s stories. If someone says, “You grew up in a single-parent household, so you’re bound to struggle,” we might accept that as fact. If statistics claim that people from our background are more likely to face depression or anxiety, we might start believing it without questioning. And without even realizing it, we start living out those predictions, as if they were truths.
But they aren’t truths. They’re just stories.
Take the example of the lotus flower. It grows through mud, pushing up through the murky waters toward the light. That’s what finding yourself is like. We’re not born with clear directions or a path that’s been paved for us. Many of us grow up in environments that don’t nurture our true selves or that impose identities on us before we’ve even had the chance to explore who we are. But just like the lotus, we can rise above those murky waters. We can shed the stories that don’t serve us and bloom into something entirely our own.
Yes, stories are important—they help us learn from others’ experiences—but they aren’t meant to be the whole of who we are. You can learn from them, but don't let them trap you. Your true purpose is to find your own center, your own story. When we stop living according to other people’s narratives, we find our balance. We see both the light and the shadow within ourselves and learn to live authentically.
So, when you find yourself drawn to a story that seems to explain your life—whether it’s the sign you were born under or the circumstances you were raised in—pause. Ask yourself: Is this really me? Does this story reflect who I am at my core, or is it just an easier way to make sense of things? Only you can find the answer.
In the end, we are all storytellers, but the most important story you’ll ever tell is your own. Don’t settle for someone else’s version of your life. Write your own, in your own voice, and let that be your guide.
The lotus, as depicted in yoga philosophy, beautifully symbolizes this process of unfolding—shedding layers, finding balance, and connecting to your true self. In the context of chakras, each lotus represents a different layer of our energetic being. As we begin to peel back these layers, we get closer to our center, just as the lotus grows out from the mud to bloom in the light.
If you're interested in exploring this further, I often incorporate chakra-balancing techniques into my personal practice. These techniques, rooted in ancient wisdom like the Yoga Sutras, have been invaluable in my own journey of self-discovery. In a future post, I’ll dive into these practices and how they can help you find your own center. Stay tuned!
