The Lotus Flower - symbolism to aspire to

I recently learned about the Lotus Flower and the symbolism that it carries.  The Lotus Flower grows from the mud, rising above the water and flowering beautifully above it.  It represents absolute purity in that it grows up from the dark watery mire and yet remains untainted and unstained.  The following info is from Vagabondjourney.com -

"The lotus blossoms achieve unblemished beauty after their birth in the muck of earthly platitude. They open and close in perfect harmony with the ebb and flow of the sun. Its base sits flush upon the water; gently rocking with the tidings and ripples. In these ways the flower represents effortlessness, direction, and the attainment of beauty. It is a perfect metaphor from which to view the grand unity of all existence, a graceful acceptance of worldly processes"

I find this image aspiring because unfortunately, I feel like many of us are stained and contaminated by the trials of everyday life.  I consider myself a spiritual person and I like to think that I am trying to achieve some sense of enlightenment and/or knowledge that I can pass on to others.   

I think it is good sometimes to look at things from outside of yourself and start to appreciate all you have and those around you.  One of the Noble Truths of Buddhism states:

"Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases" 

Basically, this says that it is our attachment to things, places and people that cause suffering.   It is hard to let go off all the things we want, "have to have," etc.

But when you think about it, what causes most of our suffering is trying to get things, hold onto things, or not let things go. 

I am not trying to turn you into a Buddhist or anything.  I am just sharing my awareness that this universal truth could help set us free from all the suffering and anxiety we suffer from each day.