The Lotus Flower

The lotus flower is a powerful symbol of resilience and rebirth. For many going through a mental health healing process, this flower is the perfect symbol for the journey we go through. Unlike any other flower, lotus flowers can grow in these seemingly lifeless situations, their beauty shining even brighter due to the sharp contrast.

Personally, this is a symbol I’ve always felt drawn to the more I encounter it. This is why I’ve utilized the lotus flower in my logo and have it tattooed on my body and wear it as jewelry charms. It reminds me that even though my life consists of difficult segments - when it feels like there is no light or beauty to tether me to life - I can plant lotus seeds and nourish their growth from even the worst of circumstances.

The lotus flower has a simple look when translated in line art, as it is in my logo and the painting I’ve included with the post. It is rooted in the Buddhist, Hindu, and Egyptian religions, often used to symbolize the path to enlightenment and transcendence. The lotus is also the name for a meditative pose, where each foot is placed on the opposite thigh. Buddhist and Hindu figures are often placed in this position to symbolize their meditative states as they seek enlightenment.

The general meaning of the lotus is often phrased as such:

Even from the muck and darkest circumstances, the lotus flower embodies moments of beauty and light that can emerge.

The meanings range in verbiage, but are rooted in the sense of transcendence and enlightenment.

Purity | Awakening | Transformation | Compassion | Strength | Resilience | Rebirth

Different colors of the lotus flower also connect with different meanings:

• Blue Lotus - wisdom, knowledge, intelligence

• Pink Lotus - the buddha

• Purple Lotus - mystical and spiritual journeys on the path to enlightenment

• Red Lotus - compassion

• White Lotus - heart of the Buddha, purity in body, mind, spirit

How do you connect with the imagery of the lotus? Which color speaks to you? Do you have any lotus symbols in your life?