The lotus flower as a symbol of resilience

The lotus flower is another of the many examples that nature gives of its complexity and the wonders of its design. In it we find a metaphor for resilience, since It is a flower that emerges from the mud again and again.

Surely you have found images of it or already attribute some meaning to it within your culture. Here we are going to develop that meaning and apply it to the psychological field. Do not miss it.

Lotus flower biology

The lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) is a plant of the family Nelumbonaceae, whose roots are based in the mud and mud of lagoons and lakes. It is native to much of Asia and has been introduced to some parts of Europe and the United States.

The seed of the lotus flower breaks records: it can be planted up to 10 centuries later and it continues to germinate.

The plant, with floating leaves and an orbicular blade, has rhizomes that can measure up to 20 meters, as they take root in the mud at the bottom of the body of water. When it blooms, the flower emerges from the surface of the water, closing at night and submerging again.

When the flower is closed it does not smell, but when it opens its aroma is reminiscent of hyacinth. Many consider its aroma hypnotic, capable of altering states of consciousness.

Lotus flower open during the day.

Mythology around the lotus flower

The fascination with this flower, also called sacred lotus, has made it a fundamental symbol for many civilizations throughout history. The lotus flower is considered sacred and one of the oldest symbols with multiple meanings for Eastern countries, although we also find multiple references to them in the Western world.

In Greek mythology, The Lotus Eaters were a mythical people that some scholars place on the coast of Libya. In the Odyssey we talk about them, saying that they only fed on the fruit of the lotus (hence their name) and that, due to its opiate properties, it made them forget the past and future, thus living peacefully in the present.

In the Buddhist sphere, the lotus serves as a seat or throne for Buddha and indicates a divine birth. In yoga, the lotus flower also has meaning. This is related to the purity of the soul, thoughts and body, which human beings must seek, despite the environment in which we find ourselves.

The color of the flower is also relevant: when depicted in blue, it indicates wisdom. White is reserved for purity and red for compassion.. Pink is the color observed in art to indicate the divinity of the characters.

Symbology in yoga

In yoga there is a position called lotus or Padmasana, which represents the traditional meditation posture. In it, the person crosses their legs, places each foot on top of the opposite thigh and places their hands on their knees.

Named for its similarity to the lotus flower, this pose is designed to connect with the root chakra, which is related to creativity, emotions and intimacy.

On a spiritual level, the metaphor with the lotus flower is explained by the fact that it emerges from the mud again and again. In the same way, in yoga the individual consciousness seeks to find its path to enlightenment, that is, to overcome and make the impurities of thought disappear.

So, The lotus symbolizes the growth of the human being from the lowest states of consciousness to the highest.. The culmination of lotus growth is a beautiful flower. In the same way, the culmination of the spiritual search of the human being is the awakening and flowering of his potential.

Lotus flower pose in yoga.

The lotus flower and its meaning for psychology

This flower symbolizes the power of psychological resistance as the ability to transform adversity into potentiality.. People with resilient personalities have a number of characteristics in common. They tend to have great commitment, control and are oriented to the challenge.

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