Welcome to Ancient Lotus Yoga…
Over the years, my personal yoga practice and teaching have led me to the creation of Ancient Lotus Yoga. The name is taken from the ancient Japanese flower, which is believed to be over 2000 years old. It was discovered by botanist and lotus specialist Dr. Oga in Japan during an archaeological dig in 1951, where it was found growing inside of boats that were dated back to the Yayoi era, around 2000 years ago. Oga successfully germinated one of 3 seeds that were found, and now the ancient lotus can be found in historical sites all across Japan.
Not only is the Lotus flower beautiful, symbolizing the purification of mind and body, but it is also resilient and strong. Generally speaking, under the mud, is not an ideal condition for flowers to grow; there is very little light and there are many insects, and yet this is where the lotus flower thrives. Despite their muddy surroundings, when the lotus flower emerges from the mud to the surface of the water, it is perfectly pure and clean. It comes out perfectly formed, and breathtakingly beautiful.
No Mud, No Lotus
Throughout life, there are hard times and challenges that we must face. This is just like the journey of the lotus, growing from the mud out into the open air. Typically, we start by asking “why me?”, wondering when the situation is going to get better. We get lost, focusing only on our circumstances. I myself went through struggles like this too.
Practicing yoga may not be the solution to these problems, but it allows us to bring our minds into the present moment, becoming more aware of what is happening to our minds and bodies. By bringing awareness to my breath, I have been able to begin to release any dark thoughts, and by practicing asana (the physical practice) I am able to raise my energy and burn any impurities in my body that were preventing my mental and emotional freedom. On the whole, my yoga practice has helped me to be a more mindful and compassionate person.
Thich Nhat Hanh states in “No Mud, No Lotus”: “Everyone knows we need to have mud for lotuses to grow. The mud doesn’t smell so good, but the lotus flower smells very good. If you don’t have mud, the lotus won’t manifest. You can’t grow lotus flowers on marble. Without mud, there can be no lotus.” This is to say, without the hard times in life that we learn to overcome, we would never learn to overcome hardship and have the beautiful life that we desire and deserve.
Let me be your guide in discovering your stronger and more resilient body and mind, just like the lotus flower.
What my students say
How yoga has changed lives? Hear from my recent students.
“Begin your journey to a better life with peace, love, and happiness”
Peace begins with me. Today I express loving kindness to all.
