Meditate on the lotus
By Nancy B. Loughlin
Published in News Press on August 2, 2016
While navigating tough times, you remind yourself, “This, too, shall pass.”
When it’s all over, you will be transformed, new.
But the passing can be agony.
At these moments, meditate on the lotus.
The Lotus
In many cultures and spiritual traditions, the lotus flower is sacred.
This colorful flower moves through dark, murky waters to finally blossom on the surface. It symbolizes patience, perseverance, grace and, more importantly, rebirth.
Lotus Pose
It’s yoga’s poster child pose.
In the full expression, you sit cross-legged with the feet on top of the opposite thighs. The knees fall open to the floor like petals and the spine is straight.
For many, this expression is impossible due to tight hips and sensitive knees. Beginners may choose to do half Lotus with only one foot on the thigh. Yet, even this can be painful.
Try this: Sit on several folded blankets, a block, meditation pillow or a bolster. Get your seat high enough so when you sit cross legged, your knees fall open to the floor, and your back remains straight. Open the angle of your thighs wide enough so your feet are in front of you rather than under your thighs.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Often considered the mantra that captures the totality of enlightenment, it’s difficult to translate.
Om mani padme hum, loosely interpreted as “Behold the jewel in the lotus,” is a mantra of insight, a call to separate from the ego, to experience oneness and to forsake attachment.
As you sit in your version of Lotus, close your eyes and touch your thumbs to the tips of your index fingers in Chin Mudra, the mudra of knowledge
Chant om mani padme hum as you navigate your journey through the mud to surface, where will you will emerge clean.
