The lotus flower is an iconic image used in yoga and the Indian tradition. I've been looking at the pose, padmasana, in classes this week.
It requires significant rotation of the legs at the hips and therefore can be quite challenging for lots of people, largely because in the Western world our hips have become so tight through sitting in chairs!
Here's an image of the 15 poses (asana) from the recognised foundational text Hatha Yoga Pradipika written in the 15th century. It was thought day to day activities could prepare the body for these.
Can you imagine going to a yoga class now consisting of just these poses? Yikes!
Back to the lotus pose. The fundamental concept of the pose is to provide a seat. With a firm foundation we find an upward energy and lift in the spine. Ultimately, to be able to meditate, effortlessly floating like the flower on top of the pond. Here's a nice feature if you want to read more https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/lotus-pose/
However, what's often forgotten is the murky depth from which the flower grows. This has even more significance to the concept behind the image. There seems to be quite a lot of philosophy written about this once you start digging (excuse the pun).
A couple of years ago I went to a workshop led by Mia Toga at Tri Yoga, called 'No mud - No lotus', on this subject. Mia's key message was facing the murky depths and darker moments to awaken the senses, to fully and better appreciate the beautiful moments. Here's a little clip of her describing the content. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=172834814045318
As Mia says it's not realistic to live with good vibes only, as we navigate our way through life's ups and downs. Sometimes we need to be more aware of the muddy stuff and face it straight on.
Here's another little share around the same theme in a rather lovely in a poem by Rupi Kaur
this is the recipe for life
said my mother
as she held me in her arms while I wept
think of those flowers you plant
in the garden each year
they will teach you
that people too
must wilt
fall
root
rise
in order to bloom.
So even if sitting in a lotus feels like possibly the most uncomfortable and distracting place you could possibly 'sit', never mind meditate, perhaps we can consider being more mindful in facing all the ups and downs? Embrace all the seasons. There's beauty in them all.
Namaste
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