Not only are the parts of the lotus used in Chinese herbal formulas to treat different health concerns, but the story of what the flower represents is also very inspiring!
The lotus starts its journey in the mud under the still and murky water of ponds and lakes. As it begins to grow towards the surface of the water, the plant develops a tightly closed blossom. It stays so tight that none of the mud and murky water can get inside the blossom. The lotus continues to grow slowly, pushing past other plant matter and lily pads in the way so that it can rise out of the water. Once on the surface, the blossom, completely clean and bright, begins to open one petal at a time, finally showing all of its inner beauty.
The Lotus Flower
Drawing inspiration from nature
Many of us can see our lives in comparison to the lotus. We all face times of adversity with obstacles that can feel overwhelming or impossible to overcome. Whether we feel like we are still stuck in the mud on the bottom, or are just under the surface, we have to keep going knowing we are working toward a better outcome and better life! This is when we must remember that if we hang in there and work hard, we can and will come out on top!
“The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud - the obstacles of life and its suffering... The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life... Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open each petal one by one. ”
– Goldie Hawn