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No Mud, No Lotus: Growing into our fullness

June 13, 2013 By Dr. Susan O'Grady

No Mud, No Lotus, Thich Nhat Hanh

Many yoga practitioners are familiar with the lotus position, a classic meditation pose. Sitting with legs crossed, feet on opposing thighs, and hands cupped helps centers the body on one’s breathing, just as the petals of a lotus all link to the flower’s center. But the symbolism of a lotus goes deeper than that.

The Indian sacred lotus, Nehumbo nucifera, is a pink perennial water flower. A many-layered wreath of lotus petals surrounds the cuplike seedpod. Throughout the day the flowers turn to face the sun as it moves across the southern sky. After sunset, the petals close into a tight bud before the lotus descends into the murky soil of the pond or river.

The Symbolism of the Lotus Flower

The Sanskrit word for lotus, pankaja, has nothing to do with the flower’s color, scent, or beauty: it means “mud-born.” Although rooted in mire and nourished by decomposed matter, the lotus rises each day and opens radiantly into the light. These qualities make the lotus an important symbol in Hindu and Buddhist art. Many images show the lotus seat or throne where Buddha and the bodhisattvas sit in meditation. The Akshobhya, or Buddha Imperturbable, sits on a lotus throne and touches the ground as his witness that the world of samsaras (birth, life, death, and rebirth) does not disturb him. To become immune to life’s challenges can take a lifetime of work.

We are not separate from the earth. We grow from it and each day is a new beginning. All arises and passes away. Rebirth is a potent image for psychological growth. We must be willing to let go of parts of ourselves that do not serve us well. That might mean something as seemingly small as foregoing coffee in the afternoon so we sleep better at night, or as large as leaving a job or relationship that no longer fits who we are becoming. Growing into our fullness requires that we accept the mud from which we come.

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Dr. Susan O'Grady
Dr. Susan O'Grady
Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years.
Dr. Susan O'Grady
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About Dr. Susan O'Grady

Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years.

 

In our blog posts, we draw from our clients’ stories in order to illustrate some of the common themes that come up in couples counseling and psychotherapy. The examples given here are composites, and we have invented all the names and identifying information. Any resulting resemblance to people is entirely coincidental and unintentional. We are licensed clinical psychologists practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our posts do not reflect professional advice. Interaction with us via the blog does not constitute a professional therapeutic relationship. for professional and individualized advice, you should seek the services of a counselor who can work with you in psychotherapy. We do not assume liability for damage or injury resulting from your decision to interact with our website.​

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Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
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Dr. Susan O'Grady
Dr. Susan O'Grady
Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years.
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Latest posts by Dr. Susan O'Grady (see all)
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  • (home video area – couples counseling) - November 23, 2011
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