# Water, a lotus, and a child.

By nature, water is clear and clean.
But if debris is mixed in, it becomes cloudy, muddy water.
My heart can feel like muddy water.
This is because the mind becomes fickle and thoughts become scattered several times a day.
This is when I need to keep a distance from the matter and observe.
Then my prejudices and desires may become visible.

The lotus that grows in muddy water takes root in the mud and grows out of the water, crossing boundaries of two worlds.
It grows large, sturdy leaves and blooms with clear, elegant flowers.
In that respect, the lotus resembles a child.

Children imagine and dream even in difficult situations.
Crossing between reality and imagination
It makes the current situation richer and more diverse.
Imagination which disregards reality becomes avoidance,
but imagination that properly recognizes reality becomes an alternative.
To me, the act of drawing is about recognizing myself and the world and gaining the strength to live.

I hope to dream and learn like water, a lotus and a child.
And take a step towards freedom, and kindness to others.

Lim Younghee