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Lotus of Possibility

July 29, 2010 By Alex Desouza

Lotuses have been influential in many cultures across the world from ancient times until today. They represent the human soul, purity, rebirth and enlightenment.

For me, most of all, lotuses represent possibility. I started using the lotus as a personal omen when I embarked on my creative journey years ago, and ever since then, its symbolic meaning has supported me in the creation of my dream life! (notice the lotus motif always there :)) The lotus reminds me that if I reach for the light, it is possible for me also, to rise above the muddy waters and create something utterly beautiful. Sigh. I do believe in that.

So you can understand why I am so excited to announce my collaboration with Bel Kai designs for the Shutter Sisters Capture Colllection! I really hope that this little lotus I photographed in Bali a few years ago, can go many places and be a reminder that anything is possible when we reach for the light. Besides, it is so pretty! I can’t get mine off my neck!

And since this is the month of treasures here, you’re in luck! All you have to do is leave a comment between now and Sunday at midnight PST, to be included in the random drawing of a “Possibility” necklace. But if you’re so inclined, please do share an image that reminds you of possibility as well.

Comments

  1. sperlygirl says

    July 29, 2010 at 7:30 am

    i too am so drawn to the lotus. it is such a symbol of perseverance, strength, grace, and beauty. here is an image of possibility ~ (it felt to me the whole world was possible looking out onto the sea) ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/78865561@N00/4824206846/

  2. xanthe says

    July 29, 2010 at 7:45 am

    oh alex, this is beautiful! x.

  3. Marcie says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:11 am

    There is something quite magical about the simple lotus…the way it opens and closes and floats ever so softly on the water’s surface. Here’s one of my recent captures of the beautiful flower:
    http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1237
    And – I just love the necklace!!!

  4. Leslie says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:23 am

    The necklace is beautiful and the significance wonderful!

  5. marina says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:24 am

    Alex, the necklace is so beautiful, congratulations!!! and your lotus is such a powerful and sweet reminder to believe in possibility!
    here’s a shot that speaks about possibility to me: the possibility to express something via photography and to let myself play with images without censoring too much. I am working on these possibilities and trying to keep learning day after day.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/36167691@N03/4774280374/lightbox/

  6. Annalise says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:41 am

    I LOVE this necklace ๐Ÿ™‚ So lovely and dainty.

    Possibility of life in the midst of a scorching hot summer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32539477@N06/4839767809/

  7. Jill F says

    July 29, 2010 at 9:54 am

    Beautiful necklace, nice idea for a talisman.

  8. Jan says

    July 29, 2010 at 10:00 am

    That is absolutely gorgeous!

  9. pam says

    July 29, 2010 at 11:06 am

    OMG! I love, love, love that necklace. Love.

    My picture for possibilities is a vase of a few flowers given to me by a new friend, it’s sitting on an old tray from the 50’s that was my husband’s mother’s. Possiblities is the comfort of the past with the new of the future.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidewalkshoes/4835345373/

  10. coasterkim says

    July 29, 2010 at 11:08 am

    What a beautiful piece of jewelry. Love it!

  11. Mary C. says

    July 29, 2010 at 11:13 am

    Full of grace!

  12. Lou Truss says

    July 29, 2010 at 11:28 am

    What a beautiful necklace and a wonderful idea

    my favorite flower happens to be a lily! Here is a picture of my daughter holding a water lily – for me a wonderful combination!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/lulutrussphotos/4797352603/

  13. Jennifer McNeely says

    July 29, 2010 at 11:43 am

    This is so beautiful.

  14. Robin says

    July 29, 2010 at 11:58 am

    beautiful necklace and message – I would love to wear this, but also need to put serious thought into some sort of theme for myself.

  15. AnnGeeDee says

    July 29, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    I think the sunrise is my favorite example of possibility. Each day we get a chance to start again. Lovely necklace!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/40070449@N08/4687211060/

  16. brittany says

    July 29, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    what a gorgeous necklace your picture makes! i can see why you never want to take it off!

  17. georgia says

    July 29, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    this is BEAUTIFUL! i love the word possibility. one of my favorite quotes {that i use all the time} is by emily dickinson… "dwell in possibility". in fact, i have a necklace with that little quote on it.

    such a pretty photo, perfect for your little necklace. i would so love to wear that around my neck.

    i’m sharing an image of mine that reminds me of your image and of this post. in fact, the image, which first appeared on my blog, was then used by my best friend on her blog to go with something she wrote for me and about me and anyone else waiting to break out into something creative for a living. it’s so full of the possibility theme, so it’s very fitting to share here. {and she is getting married this weekend, so it’s even more fitting to share her post!}

    http://jekisajean.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-are-more-than-sudden-overnight-of.html

  18. Sita G says

    July 29, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    I LOVE this necklace! And I have always loved the lotus flower. It was my favorite thing to doodle as a child. Seeing this today was perfect, as last night I planted the seeds for my own business…and am now dreaming of the possibilities!

  19. jakki says

    July 29, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    that is beautiful…I NEVER knew this flower had such a rich history

  20. ELK says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    i relish the story behind the creation of this beautiful piece, how happy you must be to see this finished piece , it is beautiful .

    although this is a simple collage I think it is in the moments of stillness that possibility begins

    http://www.redorgray.com/2010/07/ok-by-e-l-k-on-flickr.html

  21. Kelly says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Such a lovely necklace.

    Nothing says possibility to me like a new baby:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellysoji/4792339018/

  22. Bettina says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4712891377/

    Beautiful necklace, and thank you for sharing the significance and meaning with us. Calla lillies have always been special to me..

  23. damiec says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Your necklace is so beautiful – congratulations!

    I have loved them for some time too, and last summer I learned of a magical aquatic garden, set in the midst of urban squalor in Washington DC. Entering is like being transported to Shangri-la and I could take pictures there all day long!

    Here is my favorite from this summer’s trip – ready to burst with possibility.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487105@N06/4788391683/in/set-72157622048551170/

  24. melissa says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    tears flowing. thank you for sharing your exquisite artistry, alex. and for this generous offering today (my birthday). bursting with soulful gratitude. and love.

  25. Jamie Solorio says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    My daughter leaves hope and possibliey for me.

    http://jamie-solorio.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post.html

  26. Michel says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    what a beautiful image and treasure! I never thought a 365 would be possible and today is my 200th post!

    http://www.wishfulthinkingblog.com/wishful-thinking/2010/7/29/200s-a-charm-and-im-upside-down-with-excitement.html

  27. Debi says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    So many things hold possiblities for me. I’m a bit envious – forgive me! LOL! – that you have a personal image to symbolize that for you. For me, right now, I would choose words. Or I would choose the IDEA of choosing words. Which will I use? Which best says what I feel? So a blank page or a blank computer screen. Possiblities galore.

  28. Shelby says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    The possibility that life can be found in the most unusual places:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlbones/4808156261/

    An amazing necklace, and a great post, as usual. โ™ฅ

  29. Rachel says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Gorgeous necklace! I was touched by the meaning behind it. So true.

  30. Sherralee says

    July 29, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    For me, curiosity and exploration are vital to possibility, as are wonder and gratitude. I love Einstein’s quote: "Never lose a holy curiosity." You may be amazed what possibilities open up.

    http://sparksofgrace.tumblr.com/#803486983

  31. melissa says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    Beautiful jewelry!

  32. Heather says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    oh the possibilities!
    beautiful necklace and post.
    ๐Ÿ™‚

  33. Lisa G. says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    right now, I’m thinking of the possibility of a new succulent plant from the cuttings of my older one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yarnattacks/4838457422/

  34. megbrothers says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    love, love, love. absolutely lovely. for me, nothing says possibility like the image of birds in flight. XO

  35. supercareo says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    In January I was able to travel with some of my best friends from college around China, Laos and Thailand. We saw a lot of temples and a lot of monks and the beauty of it all really made an impression on me. So much so that I am getting ready to move to South Korea for a southeast Asia adventure of my very own!

    I don’t really have an image that reminds me of possibility … although I think I have decided that I want to open my own bakery someday so I suppose a cupcake is my image of possibility right now? Delicious *and* inspiring: WIN!

  36. ~ kristina ~ says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    It’s lovely!

  37. Christian @ Modobject at Home says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Exquisite!

    Here is my image for the year that rings with the power of possibility:
    http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2AKAf6b6sNZLh4ks4vHOSvU4tWFq3APK6TrdL1m1cKU?feat=embedwebsite

  38. Jessica says

    July 29, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Beautiful necklace!

    Here’s my possibility photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/4781549831/in/set-72157624285048210/

  39. Tera says

    July 29, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    Beautiful necklace.

  40. Natalie says

    July 29, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    oooo, it’s delicate and full of hope.

  41. soupatraveler says

    July 29, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    love the lotus! beautiful!!!

    every year when i start the seeds for my garden, the possibilties are endless!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/46922592@N00/4597102038/in/set-72157623688425959/

  42. Puna says

    July 29, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    So pretty…hummm…I don’t really have anything to share today, just beautiful blessings to Shutter Sisters!

  43. moyra scott says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    the possibility of seeing the world as beautiful

  44. Trude says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Lovely necklace! Thanks for doing the giveaway. ๐Ÿ™‚

    This shot makes me think of possibilities – for my dad to finally be pain-free (from the arthritis in his neck) and to be able to do more with his life now: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/4817433848/

  45. Lynn says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Wow, this is just stunning.

  46. chris says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    Very pretty…I like its message.

  47. Christina Ragusin says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    Beautiful! Daisies have always been a personal favorite as they make me feel happy, like promise is coming. <3

  48. Shari says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    What a gorgeous necklace

  49. Jill says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    Those are breathtaking . . . and the lotus is one of my favorite flower for new possibilities.

  50. WorthIt! says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    Stunning necklace – congratulations on bringing it to "life"!

    For me, nothing says possibility like the beginning of a journey or following a road you don’t know anything about.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/52055227@N07/4841346156/

  51. Brigitte says

    July 29, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    Amazing – both your message and the necklace! Thanks so much for sharing your story – it totally struck a chord with me! Possibilities… a subject I’m struggling with at the moment – and thus can’t contribute a photo just now (will do later, if you’ll still want to see it then…)

  52. Megan says

    July 29, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    So beautiful! The colors are amazing!

  53. amanda says

    July 29, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    this is rather lovely, soft and understated yet each individual petal stands out. enjoy your beautiful necklace – what an amazing reminder hanging around your neck!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mielandcompany/4663357191/

  54. Chelsea C says

    July 29, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    The Capture Collection is such a great way to combine different art forms and show off some beautiful photography!

    My possibility photo is of an incoming stormy sky. The possibility of rain brings the possibility of everything being refreshed. That clean, fresh smell, drops of water hitting your skin, and plants and flowers drinking in life. I love love love rain and we don’t get it much in CA, so anytime there is a possibility of it coming, I get so excited!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/chelscham/4841429126/

  55. jens says

    July 29, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    magical, that has really brightened up my day x

  56. Lisa Clarke says

    July 29, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Ooh, that is truly beautiful – I would love to win one of those!

    Lilies have become important to me over the last few years, and this photo taken a few days ago, after all of the other lilies had long since bloomed, feels full of possibility and optimism to me:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/polkadotcreations/4826462363/

  57. Sara says

    July 29, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    That lotus is amazing! I have always been drawn to lotus flowers (and, strangely enough, lily-pad flowers) as they symbolize renewal and rebirth for me. As I am going through some huge transitions in my own life, seeking rebirth and renewal from the old patterns and chains which have influenced much of my choices, I would love to wear this necklace proudly. And, in fact, I’m inspired to go out and take some lily-pad flower photos very soon!

    Thanks, Alex, for this inspiring and beautiful image!

  58. Laura O'Hanesian says

    July 29, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    Leave it to you to inspire! Thanks!!!

  59. holly says

    July 29, 2010 at 6:56 pm

    so beautiful. and such a lovely sentiment, too!

  60. joey says

    July 29, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a lotus up close. They look beautiful. Thank you for the giveaway.

  61. Pavithra says

    July 29, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    love it! i use the lotus as the symbol for my photography too. for me the symbolism of purity is the most meaningful. a lotus comes from a pond of dirt and mud. It grows up and out thru the water to the sky and blooms this beautiful lotus! it is one of the best ideas. and my name in sanskrit means purity as well! ๐Ÿ™‚ love it!

  62. darrah parker says

    July 29, 2010 at 7:50 pm

    The necklace is beautiful, Alex! I love the concept of a growing flower of possibility. Sometimes, the flower has to rest and nurture itself and when the time is right, it blooms.

    This made me think of a photo I took a while back right after my kitty passed away. We were very sad, as she had been a long-time companion, but we were also reminded of how precious this life is. My husband and I went to the beach and I found a dandelion. As we sat on the beach, we talked about the future and what is possible and we blew dandelion wishes at the water. This photos is a constant reminder of those wishes and what is possible:

    http://www.darrahparker.com/blog/slice-of-life-tuesday-wish.html

  63. Toni says

    July 29, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Love this!

  64. maddie says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    song, song song ~

    singing beauty this effervescent necklace

    ๐Ÿ™‚

  65. Debra says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    Simple & Gorgeous = the perfect combination!

  66. Jen Lee says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    OMG it is GORGEOUS!!

  67. rebecca says

    July 29, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    anything is certainly possible. what a beautiful gift for whoever is blessed to receive it.

  68. {Sarah} says

    July 29, 2010 at 9:37 pm

    Here’s to the possibility of winning this gorgeous talisman from the talented Shutter Sisters crew. Cheers!

  69. Heather Plett says

    July 29, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    Beautiful necklace, beautiful words.

  70. aphrodite says

    July 29, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Love the necklace! Gorgeous!

  71. stefanie Renee says

    July 29, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    Oh, how I love Alex and this collaboration – how beautiful!

  72. Mary MacAskill says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:08 am

    So pretty, and I love the meaning behind it!

  73. Krista Kruger says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:29 am

    The necklace is gorgeous!!!

    Here is a shot from my garden… so many possibilities there.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristakruger/

  74. Stephanie Bolton says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:34 am

    Possibility= a blank canvas, wearing new shoes out of the store, dialing the seventh digit of his phone number, smiling at the grouchy looking old man on the bus, pressing ‘send’ on that email to the publisher, turning the page of a good book, opening your eyes under water, chewing with your eyes closed, choosing with your first instinct,
    …being yourself- even in front of strangers!
    http://www.stephaniebolton.com

  75. sue says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:39 am

    love this … embracing potential and possibility is a daily discipline

  76. Nancy/April Fool says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:02 am

    Each morning when I take in a long breath, stretch, and open my eyes… the opportunity
    for possibilities has begun once again!

  77. alisa joy says

    July 30, 2010 at 7:08 am

    so i am fresh out of grad school and getting ready to apply for my dream job. oh the possibility…

  78. Kathy says

    July 30, 2010 at 10:58 am

    My life is all about possibility right now! I posted recently about dreaming big when it comes to my photography!
    http://rirealmom.wordpress.com

  79. elflyn says

    July 30, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    So lovely!

  80. Sharon says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    how beautiful – the photo, the necklace, and the sentiments.

  81. Katherine says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    Oh wow, what a fantastic idea & such a beautiful outcome! Love this & the generosity for a lucky winner!

  82. patricia says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    It is beautiful. We adopted a daughter from Korea when she was 3 years old. She died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 25——twelve years ago last week. This necklace reminds me of her.

  83. Christine says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    Being in the midst of a transformation myself, this would be a daily reminder all the is good and possible in life.
    Peace.
    Christine

  84. NTE says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    I think that’s a gorgeous necklace: congratulations on your new endeavor!

  85. Elizabeth says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    I love the message of a lotus. It’s why I wanted to use it in my business name, though I have since changed my mind. Still, there is something so magical about the idea of beauty rising up from the muddy water.

  86. Sandy says

    July 30, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    The lotus is a very important symbol in my life and who I am as a person; I even named my photography business Red Lotus Photography. It is a symbol that reminds me of the infinite potential that we all possess. I look to the lotus to remind me of where I’ve been, and the hope I have for the future. This necklace is gorgeous!

  87. kristine says

    July 30, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    When I think of possibilities…I think about this quote by Geroge Bernard Shaw ~ "The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react." I believe life is full of possibilities and that dreams can come true but one must act upon it. Here’s my possibility picture, I like the quote on it too, it ties in to my possibility message: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueelephantphotography/4733689441/

  88. Andi says

    July 30, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    Can’t put into words how beautiful this necklace is!!!

  89. Mariah says

    July 30, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    I too love the lotus. I first became acquainted with it while studying Buddhism and have loved it ever since. Lovely necklace design as well! Thank you for the opportunity to win such a lovely piece of jewelry!!

  90. Pamela Sweet says

    July 31, 2010 at 5:27 am

    Your necklace is simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing its meaning for you and for having this giveaway. The lotus has always held a special magic for me as well.

  91. Samantha says

    July 31, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    What gorgeous necklace!

  92. Alex says

    July 31, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    Thank you, everyone! I am so completely thrilled! I love all your comments ๐Ÿ˜‰ It truly means so much to me to send a beautiful message to the world via my work. Love xoxx

  93. Stacey says

    July 31, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    Beautiful!

    My image of possibility…my young and innocent daughter in her twirly skirt, ready to take on the world… I love this and hope that I have a heart like her even as an adult…

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/48819780@N05/4813186704/

  94. krisann says

    August 1, 2010 at 2:16 am

    Your necklace is a beautiful reflection of possibility and hope. Thanks for sharing such beauty.

  95. Clare says

    August 1, 2010 at 5:15 am

    Oh it’s gorgeous!

  96. bridge says

    August 1, 2010 at 5:48 am

    I really love the way this is used and congratulations on the collaberation. The lotus inspires me and how lovely to carry it near the throat chakra–where the courag eto speak my truth resides.
    XO-

  97. kaley says

    August 1, 2010 at 10:53 pm

    possibility. i love it. i have just begun yoga and love this post!

  98. Karen says

    August 5, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Alex… This necklace is sooo Beautiful. I just had to buy it! I am looking forward to receiving it and will be sending loving thoughts your way whenever I wear it.

  99. Sara says

    August 5, 2010 at 9:48 pm

    Thank you for creating this beautiful necklace

  100. lauren martin gauthier says

    August 8, 2010 at 11:00 am

    this would be SUCH a beautful talisman for the journey i am currently on. what strikes me most about the lotus is that it grows up through the mud, BUT, the muddy water does not adhere to it! what a beautiful picture to remind us that the struggles in our lives do NOT have to stick to our petals…

    and here is a link to my picture representing possibility: http://reddirtgirlphoto.blogspot.com/2010/08/will-you-still-need-me-will-you-still.html

  101. Brigitte says

    August 8, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    I posted earlier – without photo as I was pondering about which picture describes possibilities for me. And as I promised to contribute a photo (I usually keep my promises), I decided on this one – the blossoms of a cherry tree in spring, standing for the possibilities spring displays year after year, however hard the winter was:

    http://www.photographs-and-memories.com/Photographs_engl./My_Gallery/Seiten/Seasons.html#13

  102. Paula says

    September 8, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    What a beautiful necklace!

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