Lotus and The Waterfall
The lotus and the waterfall.
– Sarah Jio All the Flowers in Paris
“Lotus flowers lead harrowing journeys. Their seeds sprout in murky swamp water, thick with dirt and debris and snarls of roots. For a lotus to bloom, she must forge her way through this terrible darkness, avoid being eaten by fish and insects, and keep pressing onward, innately knowing or at least hoping, that there is sunlight somewhere above the water’s surface, if she can only summon the strength to get there. And when she does, she emerges unscathed by her journey and blooms triumphantly.”
First of all, loved this book. Second, what a beautiful quote on the journey of a lotus.
My logo has both a lotus and waterfall both for the symbolism of the lotus and the waterfall that is nestled on our beautiful retreat property in Northern Alabama. In Hindu, Buddhist, and Egyptian culture the lotus is a sacred flower, thus the lotus has become the symbol of yoga, a symbol of purity.
Symbolism of Waterfall
Water is essential for existence. It has the power to transform from liquid to solid and vapor, making it a symbol of metamorphosis and recycling. A waterfall represents purity, a cleansing, renewal. It can transform, flowing and changing and moving, sometimes ravenous and full, at other times a peaceful trickle. When fed by a greater source and healthy, it has a momentum that is unstoppable, full of life. It is powerful and can move over and around obstacles with grace and ease. The waterfall is life’s blessing, a reflection of God’s beauty.
Waterfalls release negative ions that create better air quality. In addition, increase the mood chemical, serotonin that helps alleviate depression and decreases stress. An added bonus to a therapy and retreat center nestled against a waterfall, wouldn’t you say?
In addition, my astrological symbol is Scorpio which is a water sign that symbolizes stillness, reflection and mystery.
With a little help from my friend Brienna McLaughlin Pruce and my husband, we settled on this logo to represent my growing business.
May I, and my business be unstoppable like the waterfall and emerge from whatever comes, unscathed and beautiful like the lotus.
Lotus Mudra
Also known as Padma Mudra
The heels of the hands come together at the wrists. The sides of the thumbs and pinky’s touch and the fingers splay open like a blooming lotus.
Hold the hand at your heart for a few moments and focus on your heart center. Feel an openness to give and receive love.
Raise the hands above your heart to your throat, if you are working on clearing the throat chakra or speaking with confidence.
Or hold above your head to instill wisdom, acceptance of a higher energy. Imagine the Divine spirit enters through your crown and fill you with it’s loving light and wisdom.
One of my favorite go to mudras (hand gestures), the lotus, a symbol of loving kindness, purity, and personal growth.
Like the lotus that starts out in murky, muddy waters, we may be faced with challenges, but emerge stronger to bloom on the other side of the challenge. The mudra combined with the attention of our mind can give us a sense of channeling our energy and calming the mind and instilling positivity.
The lotus mudra is often connected to our heart chakra. The fingers being open in blossom, a symbol that we may both give and receive love. The lotus gives us a sense of grounding and acceptance. The pedals open to embrace light and beauty.
Learn about upcoming retreats, workshops and events at Waterfall Yoga Therapy here.
Want to know more about how yoga therapy can help you achieve your health goals? Watch this short video.
