#RosesAndThorns

[spiritualsoull1969]

The Spiritual Tapestry of Relationships: Navigating the Thorns to Find Fragrance

सभी रिश्ते...

              गुलाबों की तरह खुशबू नहीं देते

               कुछ ऐसे भी तो होते हैं जो .....

                    कांटे छोड़ जाते हैं

English Translation

"All relationships...

do not give the fragrance of roses.

There are some that...

leave behind thorns."

Prelude:

The poetic expression "सभी रिश्ते, गुलाबों की तरह खुशबू नहीं देते, कुछ ऐसे भी तो होते हैं जो कांटे छोड़ जाते हैं" (Not all relationships give fragrance like roses; some leave thorns behind) encapsulates the intricate nature of human connections. Unlike the idealized notion of relationships akin to fragrant roses, it acknowledges that some relationships are akin to thorns, leaving behind challenges and difficulties. In the vast landscape of spirituality, this profound concept unravels the deeper meanings embedded in relationships that traverse both joyous and challenging terrain.

The Metaphor of Roses and Thorns in Relationships:

The metaphor of roses and thorns is a timeless representation of the dual nature of relationships. While roses symbolize beauty, love, and joy, thorns represent challenges, pain, and difficulties. Spirituality embraces the idea that relationships, like the intertwining vines of a rose bush, encompass both elements.

Spiritual Perspective on Relationships:

Spirituality views relationships as mirrors reflecting the soul's journey towards self-realization. Each interaction, whether harmonious or challenging, becomes an opportunity for growth and spiritual evolution. By embracing the duality inherent in relationships, individuals embark on a transformative path.

The Illusion of Perfection in Relationships:

The expectation that all relationships should resemble fragrant roses creates an illusion of perfection. Spirituality dismantles this illusion, urging individuals to see the inherent beauty in both joy and adversity. The imperfections of relationships become the very soil in which spiritual seeds of understanding and compassion are sown.

The Fragrance of Positive Relationships:

Positive relationships, akin to fragrant roses, exude love, joy, and a sense of fulfillment. In the context of spirituality, these connections become a source of inspiration and support on the spiritual journey. They serve as reminders of the divine love that permeates all aspects of existence.

Challenges as Spiritual Catalysts:

Relationships that leave behind thorns, challenges, and difficulties are viewed through the lens of spirituality as catalysts for spiritual growth. The friction and discomfort encountered in such relationships become opportunities for self-reflection, resilience, and the development of virtues like patience and forgiveness.

Spiritual Alchemy of Transformative Relationships:

Spirituality introduces the concept of alchemy in relationships — the transformation of base elements into spiritual gold. Relationships that initially seem challenging and thorny have the potential to undergo profound transformation, transmuting adversity into spiritual wisdom and understanding.

The Karmic Tapestry of Relationships:

The concept of karma in spirituality suggests that relationships are intricately woven into the fabric of one's destiny. Every encounter, whether sweet or challenging, is considered a result of past actions. Viewing relationships through this karmic lens fosters acceptance and a deeper understanding of life's intricate design.

The Necessity of Boundaries:

Thorns in relationships often arise from the lack of boundaries. Spirituality teaches the importance of setting healthy boundaries to protect one's spiritual well-being while fostering genuine connections. Recognizing and addressing toxic dynamics becomes an integral part of the spiritual journey.

Forgiveness as a Spiritual Practice:

Thorns in relationships may embed themselves in the form of grievances and conflicts. Spirituality places a significant emphasis on forgiveness as a transformative spiritual practice. Letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness becomes a means to release the grip of thorns and cultivate a garden of spiritual harmony.

The Role of Detachment:

Detachment is a cornerstone of spiritual teachings. It does not imply emotional disengagement but rather a healthy understanding that the essence of relationships is not bound by external circumstances. Detachment from the outcomes of relationships allows individuals to navigate the thorny paths with grace and resilience.

Cultivating Compassion for Ourselves and Others:

The awareness that not all relationships are fragrant roses invites individuals to cultivate compassion, both for themselves and others. Spirituality teaches that everyone is on their unique journey, and understanding the diverse challenges each person faces fosters empathy and compassion.

The Symbolism of the Lotus in Muddy Waters:

Spirituality often uses the symbolism of the lotus, which emerges pristine and beautiful from muddy waters, to illustrate the potential for spiritual awakening amid life's challenges. Relationships, even those with thorns, provide the fertile ground for the lotus of spiritual insight to blossom.

Learning from Nature:

Nature itself offers profound spiritual lessons. In the wilderness of relationships, individuals can draw inspiration from resilient plants that thrive in challenging environments. Just as a cactus blooms in the desert, relationships can yield beauty and wisdom even in arduous conditions.

Transcending Dualities:

The concept of roses and thorns embodies duality, a fundamental aspect of the material world. Spirituality encourages individuals to transcend dualities, recognizing that both joy and sorrow, love and pain, are interconnected facets of the human experience. This transcendence leads to a more profound understanding of relationships.

The Essence of Unconditional Love:

At the heart of spiritual teachings is the concept of unconditional love. While fragrant roses represent the joyous aspects of love, relationships with thorns challenge individuals to love unconditionally — to love despite imperfections and difficulties. Unconditional love becomes a transformative force that transcends the limitations of the human ego.

Wrap-Up:

In the intricate dance of relationships, the metaphor of roses and thorns becomes a symbolic guide on the spiritual journey. Spirituality invites individuals to embrace both fragrant and thorny aspects of connections, recognizing that each relationship contributes to the soul's evolution. By navigating the garden of relationships with mindfulness, compassion, and spiritual wisdom, individuals can find the fragrance even in the midst of thorns. The spiritual alchemy within relationships transforms challenges into opportunities, inviting individuals to unfold the petals of understanding, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Ultimately, the journey through both roses and thorns becomes a sacred pilgrimage towards the essence of the human spirit.

[beyondthosepagess]

"Roses have both petals and thorns, my dark flower. You needn't believe something weak because it appears delicate. Show the world your bravery."

- Kerri Maniscalo, Stalking Jack The Ripper

[tos-fanart]

McCoy:Old Country Doctor by RosesAndThorns

[thecharlesboyle]

"It's madness to hate all roses because you got scratched with one thorn-"

"It's madness to hate all roses because you got scratched with one thorn, to give up all dreams because one of them didn't come true, to give up all attempts because one of them failed. It's folly to condemn all your friends because one has betrayed you, to no longer believe in love just because someone was unfaithful or didn't love you back, to throw away all your chances to be happy because something went wrong. There will always be another opportunity, another friend, another love, a new strength. For every end, there is always a new beginning..... And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Conscious Quotes

[vjanddeadpool]

Turns out my other post wasn’t the Last batch. @pittsburghopera @pghfw #carmen #pghfw #sofly #fashion #fashionshow #pittsburghopera #rosesandthorns (at Pittsburgh Opera) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tKj6OlY4i/?igshid=1s6mt82xbdq7l

[iyonahrose-blog]

💦Creme Le’ Rose - Her Addiction | 🌡@icycici_ 🥀- I Y O N A H🥀 R O S E . #IyonahRose #cicibaby #freshstart #somebodywhounderstandsme #mybreathoffreshair #newbeginnings #cremelerose✨ #swipeswipeswipe #imvu #imvubaddie💋 #glowing #photography #iamiyonahrose #imvuliving #nightslikethis #rose #imvuphotography #fuckyolight #rosesandthorns #🌹🌹🌹 Follow Me On InstaGram @iyonahrose.vl

[susanvilleup]

Today for Friday Brag we share this quote to reflect on how important it is to acknowledge our challenges as it is to acknowledge our wins. This past Labor Day weekend, Susan did her best hiking �� 12 miles into and out of challenging terrain without injury. This was an accomplishment, however she was the slowest in her group, often hiking alone, due to a lower fitness level caused by extra weight, she missed out on some spectacular day trips despite training and recent weight-loss. Sometimes pain is our best teacher. Pain can motivate us to make decisions to defer immediate pleasure for future benefits. Over the years, she has learned that fitness and diet are directly connected to her happiness and wellness. Just before her trip she completed a liver cleanse and lost almost 10 pounds over the summer. Having been thin in the past, she realizes being thin didn’t make her happy; however being well does and so does doing good for others! Long commutes, caring for family members, heavy work and volunteer commitments have sometimes caused her to put her own health on the back burner. Alternatively, she’s chosen false comforts of food and she’s paid the price. She has learned that having a successful career does not promise happiness. In only a month, she will climbing Mt. Whitney. By training more and losing a little more weight she’s committed to do better on that hike. This past week, in addition to completing the epic Emigrant Wilderness hike, Susan’s week’s accomplishment has been: 1. Caring for her mother-in-law, who just returned home from the hospital 🏥 . 2. Connecting with her BSF discussion group for the 2019/20 year 3. Donating to three difficult fundraisers her friends were requesting to support, one for the recent hurricane. #happinessbegins #wellness #weightloss #fitness #dogoodfeelgood #celebratewins #growthmindset #rosesandthorns https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ErJTkg_nz/?igshid=9xrbxlv6xrov

[theiclasp]

Thinking Different #rosesandthorns #xlanyard #tattoosleeve #tatt #techwear #Applewatch #worldsbest #futurewear #cars #supercars #convention #promotionalproducts #phonecases #samsunggalaxys9 #beachwearfashion #beachwear #sailing #surfers #snowboarding #monsterenergy (at Tampa, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvQYTLsHFn_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w2cox7thpows

[if-tomorrow-never-comes]

carlbarat78 My two favourite Weegies @jamesallan.gv & @ianlamarra1 #ascottishmaninabaseballcap #rosesandthorns

[dondidonde]

#newbooks2017 #bretmichaels #rosesandthorns #maddieziegler #themaddiediaries #julianlennon #touchtheearth #peterhook #substance #book #memoir

[njevajzetha]

The strength in our soul rests in the scars of our hearts

#rosesandthorns

[learnstrong]

Week 1 Almost Done

Whoo child. I’m almost there. One more day. It’s been a whirlwind! Lots of good times: conversations with parents happy their kids have options, chats with kids about what they’ve been inventing in class, dance programs they’ve written computer codes for, or teachers they love. I have awesome teachers working with me this year that have already created game plans for loving on some of my regular key players...On the other hand, I think I ever want to be a principal for a regular school year. THERE’S SO MUCH STUFF. Emergency plans, transportation issues, scheduling classes, ordering supplies, making copies, ensuring supervision of students...my goodness. It’s overwhelming. Honestly I think making sure students had transportation to and from school has been the most difficult thing to figure out. Today was the first day I felt like things ran smooth-ish...and that was with a bus breaking down taking kids home. Lvbs. We’ll see what happens next. 

[bbbbookblog-blog]

After a much dreaded and far to long lasting book funk I have come back! YEA! Thanks to reading Priest by Sierra Simone. I am now jumping into Roses & Thorns by @authorbryann I am super excited to read this dark romance. One Rose. One prisoner. A crime boss. … and a man determined to overthrow him. All I wanted was to help women. Free them of their demons. Until he walks in. See, the treatment center I worked at was my home. The only one I’d known since I was seventeen. I knew we’d opened a men’s unit. I got the honor of being head tech. He was a criminal. I was warned, prepared, professional. I knew it’d be hard… because of who my father is. I thought I was prepared. I was anything but prepared. I was taken. Treasured. Twisted by a criminal I swore I would never love. Two love stories wrapped up in crime. In blood. Delivery. #oneclick #amazon https://amzn.to/2A4jI9i #bookstagram #dark #romance #BryAnn #rosesandthorns #booklover #reader #bookhoarder #bookaddict #igreads #instabooks #bibliophile #roses

[vjanddeadpool]

Last batch. @pittsburghopera @pghfw #carmen #pghfw #sofly #fashion #fashionshow #pittsburghopera #rosesandthorns (at Pittsburgh Opera) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9koey5l6pv/?igshid=fnc4mig7tppm

[vovazolin]

⚜ And now that your #rose is in #bloom A light hits the gloom on the gray #rosesandthorns #onestbienpeudechoses #FlowerPower

[authorbryann-blog]

Hey! To celebrate the release of Roses & Thorns I am going to do giveaways and sales all week! This giveaway is good through May 7th:) To enter: 1.) Like my Instagram page. 2.) Post about Roses & Thorns release on your insta and tag me :) BONUS Extras: 1.) Like my FB: authorbryann 2.) Comment below your favorite author. 3.) Tag two friends below who like dark romances. Enjoy! Can’t wait to send someone their book :) #ROSESANDTHORNS (at Tarrant, Texas)