Six days have passed since I celebrated the milestone of my 50th birthday, a day that unfurled like a splendid blossom before me. On December 2nd, I found myself nestled in an oasis of creativity, painting what would become a cherished representation of my journey thus far—”Blossoms of Existence”. The experience of painting was not merely about colours on a canvas; it transformed into a spiritual endeavour, echoing the gratitude I felt for every moment that had brought me here.
As I stood in front of the blank canvas, I allowed my hand to flow freely, a brush in hand like a wand of delight, inspired by the very essence of life that danced around me. The process unfolded over the course of an hour, but it felt like an eternity wrapped in beauty. I carefully selected vibrant hues—each colour swirling into one another, forming delicate petals that seemed to reach outward, yearning for sunlight, beckoning to the sky with an unquenchable thirst for existence.
With each stroke, I deliberately poured my emotions and experiences onto the canvas, surrendering to the creative energy that surged within me. The colours whispered stories of resilience, love, and transformation—an abstract reflection of the human spirit. The brush mimicked the rhythm of life, capturing the essence of growth and the bittersweet reality of seasons changing.
As my mind drifted, a title blossomed into me without hesitation: “Blossoms of Existence.” Instantly, I felt a profound connection to it—it was as if the phrase had been waiting for me to find it. Riding this wave of inspiration, I began to unravel my thoughts into words, crafting poems that would serve as an expression of gratitude to share with my family and friends who had gathered to celebrate my birthday.
“Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift you have imparted in me,” My fingers dance across the keyboard, just as my brush sweeps gracefully over the canvas. “Blossom of existence is a blessing from you. Without you, Lord, I am nothing…can’t even think about growing.” In that moment, I felt a humbling wave wash over me—blossoming was not a mere choice but a divine embroidery of life itself, a gift I needed to cherish and embrace.
As I contemplated the significance of this theme, I shared my thoughts with those around me, especially my family, friends and communities in my circle. To me, the concept of “blossoms of existence” transcends simple growth; it embodies the sustained beauty of life, the ability to stretch and thrive through trials and tribulations. At the age of 50, I have come to understand how human beings bloom almost every second, every minute—our lives continuously threading the intricate tapestry of existence, transforming pain into petals, joy into vibrant hues.
Yet my musings brought me face-to-face with a profound query: Can this bloom endure? The state of our existence relies significantly on sustainability. Just like the circle of life surrounding a flower, we are created uniquely by God with the potential for everlasting bloom. But that potential exists in tandem with the cycles of life, where sometimes the petals wilt, only to be replaced by new blooms, symbolizing our resilience and steadfast spirit.
Poetically speaking, the act of blooming is interspersed with moments of stillness and learning. Oh, how poignant is the duality of bloom and wither! Blooming is an expression of hope, a proclamation of living vibrantly. Conversely, withering serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence—an opportunity for transformation and renewal.
Reflecting on my own journey six days post-50, I find depth in these musings. I am at a juncture in my life where hope reigns supreme. Unlike stagnant waters, the gift of life is meant to flow—each moment holds the power of potential and growth. Post-50, I yearn for a life that embodies flourishing and fruit-bearing, where I can humbly shine and thrive in the divine light bestowed upon me by God, a light that distinctly bask in existence.
In living life to its fullest, we glorify God. It invites us to reflect on our journey, to embrace our purpose, and to realize that each season of life, whether it’s one of growth or pause, carries instrumental lessons. The beauty of this cyclical journey lies in actively participating in it and recognizing the divine orchestrations that guide us.
Every flower I paint is a symbol, each petal a representation of vulnerability, and each fragrance an embrace of joy. My hope after this milestone is that life remains more important than merely surviving—like a cherishing garden that thrives under the sun, flourishing as we absorb its warmth. Just as God has gifted us the state of blossoming, I recognize that to live is to embrace every colour, texture, and fragrance of existence. As I share this spirit and sentiment with my family and friends, I am reminded that together we are petals of one blooming garden—a collective tapestry of existence, where love, struggles, victories, and memories act as the soil nourishing our shared experience.
Let us celebrate the richness of being alive, for the essence of our existence is to bloom, to weave our tales into the larger fabric of humanity, to embrace the divine cycle of life, and above all, to continuously seek inspiration — a reference to the remarkable beauty of living — Blossoms of Existence
In the garden of existence, where shadows play,
Life unfolds, a tapestry woven bright and gay.
Colours swirl like whispers, in the soft morning dew.
Petals of experience, each one tender and true.
A fragile flower blooms beneath the celestial dome.
Its roots entwined in earth, yet it yearns to roam.
From the depths of dark soil, it reaches for the light,
Embodying the struggle between day and night.
Crimson speaks of passion, fierce as a summer’s sun,
While azure tells of calm, where sorrows come undone.
Golden rays of joy dance on the vibrant scene,
Yet muted shades of grief lurk in the spaces in between.
Each bloom, a story, an echo of the past,
Of moments tender, fleeting, like shadows they are cast.
The wind sings a soft lullaby, as time is swept away,
Reminding us of seasons, of the transitory day.
Oh, the blooms of life, they wither as they grow,
Yet in their brief unfolding, a wisdom we shall know.
For in every vivid colour, each scent that fills the air,
Lies the essence of our journey, the burdens that we bear.
We are but fragile petals, dancing in the breeze,
A symphony of trust, where the heart learns to appease.
The fleeting nature of life, like flowers filled with grace,
Teaches us to savour each moment, to embrace the chase.
In the silence of the twilight, when the day has said goodbye,
We contemplate the colours, as stars punctuate the sky.
With every fading blossom, there lies a silent plea,
To honour life’s mosaic, to cherish and to see.
Let us weave our stories, like flowers in a field,
With colours that unite us and wounds that gently heal.
In nature’s grand cathedral, our hearts will intertwine,
For life, in all its splendour, is a breathless work divine.
Thus, may we bloom in kindness, beneath the sky’s wide span,
A garden of reflections, hand in hand, we shall stand.
For life is but a blossom, fleeting yet profound;
In every hue, a lesson, in every breath, unbound.
My 50 years of life has taught me to embrace the art of balance—an elegant equilibrium shaped by faith, introspection, and resilience. Guided by divine wisdom, I’ve learned that life’s true richness lies not in the pursuit of perfection but in savouring the simplicity and depth of each moment, allowing God’s love and light to illuminate my path. Next week, as I look forward, may I continue to walk on this path of balance with humility and gratitude, ever seeking wisdom. Let’s explore “The Art of Balance”, just as flowers bloom amidst adversity. May our life blossom in harmony with God’s perfect plan, reflecting His love and grace.
Here I stand, gazing at my painting, reflecting on the messages crafted through colours and words. “Blossoms of Existence” is more than a title; it is a testament to the remarkable narrative unfolding in each of our lives. Each flicker of hope and dream is painted with the lush hues of possibility and purpose.
’You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.’ – Pablo Neruda (birth name: Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto). He was a Chilean poet-diplomat and politician. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
