'uKwanda' | Blooming and Embodying The Energy of Abundance

'uKwanda' is a Xhosa word which means “to grow” or to “expand”.

Abundance is an extremely plentiful or over-sufficient quantity or supply; it is overflowing fullness. Abundance is energy. The first law of thermodynamics in Physics states that, "energy can be neither created nor destroyed but only changed from one form to another."

This visual narrative serves as a gentle reminder of the deepest truth; that our innate essence is abundance.

"Our true nature is one of affluence and abundance. We are naturally affluent because nature supports every need and desire, we lack nothing because our essential nature is one of pure potentiality. It is the consciousness that knows how to fulfil every need including joy, laughter, peace, harmony and knowledge" - Deepak Chopra

Abundance comes in many forms. Material abundance, abundance in community, abundance in collaboration, abundance in creativity, abundance in nature, abundance in the things we have not asked for, yet are available to us. Our treasures are inherent in our stories, in our cultures, in our heritage and much more.

As author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson says, "you are not merely a being of the material world; you are a being of unlimited spirit. And in spirit there is no lack."

September is Heritage month in South Africa and the first month of blooming season (Spring) in the Southern hemisphere, thus the photo series represents the abundance of flora and honours my tribe, amaXhosa in specific looks, wherein I am donning beads and 'umbhaco', traditional clothing worn during formal and informal ceremonies. The photo series is also inspired by the fact that in isiXhosa months of the year are poetically named after seasonal plants, (though not the same as the ones adorned).

Flowers emphasize the quintessence of abundance through their innate beauty, splendour and symbolism.

The clivia flower, which is native to Southern Africa, symbolizes the conversion of the aim of life from the ego to the Divine. It also represents good fortune, fortitude, and an unyielding, mighty and resolute way of being.

The purple wreath or queen's wreath symbolizes the spiritual power of healing as well as opening and receptivity to Divine influence.

The azalea flower is a symbol of femininity, whether in beauty or intelligence. It represents wealth and elegance as well as harmony, happiness and balance.

The spiraea or bridal wreath symbolizes victory over hardship and creative expansion. Whilst also symbolizing wealth, fortune and prosperity.

May we always remember our essence and embody a spirit of gratitude for the infinite nature of the universe, of which we are an intricate part.

Credits:

Photography: Masego Morulane

Creative Direction, Writing & Model: Phendu Kuta

Collaboration with Mane Chicks

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References

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Sri-aurobindo.in. n.d. Spiritual Significance Of Flowers, Queen's-Wreath = Petrea Volubilis, Verbenaceae. [online] Available at: <http://sri-aurobindo.in/images/flowers/639_e.htm> [Accessed 24 September 2020].

Williamson, M., 2014. The Law Of Divine Compensation. New York: HarperOne.

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