Lessons from a Rose

“These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence. Before a leaf-bud has burst, its whole life acts; in the full-blown flower there is no more; in the leafless root there is no less. Its nature is satisfied, and it satisfies nature, in all moments alike. But man postpones or remembers; he does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or, heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to foresee the future. He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
Nature is our greatest teacher.  The above quote by Emerson reminds us about mindfulness and living in the present moment.  The rose can teach us how to live.  The bud doesn’t worry about the future and what is life is going to be like when it blooms.  The bloom doesn’t fret about the future and what will happen when it dies.  And the leaf-less plant doesn’t regret the mistakes made during its lifetime. 
 
We should live our life more like the rose.  Enjoy today, and this moment, for it is all we have.  If we are a bud, embrace the stage and all it has to offer. The rose doesn’t compare itself to other roses.  It doesn’t say, "when I bloom, then life will be better" or worry about the mistakes it made as a bud.  If we are in full bloom, then enjoy today with your family and friends.  Don’t worry about wrinkles, looking younger or what might happen in the future.  The rose doesn’t complain about the rain, the sun or the wind, it accepts the present moment. Make the most of the sun in your life and enjoy the rain and all life has to offer. Accept whatever happens in your life and move with the winds of life as the rose moves with the wind.  The rose doesn’t resist the wind and do everything in its power to stand tall, it dances with the wind.  You will have many things happen in your life – you get to choose to go with the flow or resist.  Life is a gift, make each day precious!
 
Emerson shares that the rose was living in the present moment, it has no past or no future.  Man postpones or laments the past and misses the richness of his life.

What is your interpretation of Emerson's quote?

How do you relate personally to the quote?