The Roaming Lotus

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The Lotus flower tells the story of perseverance, growth, and stunning beauty. The most beautiful and awe inspiring human stories start just like the lotus. In the dark, in the mud, and full of obstacles. The lotus is a survivor. As it grows through the murky waters, the lotus develops strength. The stem is thick and sturdy but remains flexible,  allowing it to sway when faced with obstacles and currents that try to break it.  The lotus stays focused on the surface, heading toward the light, no matter how many gloomy creatures, barriers, or circumstances try to hinder it. And when the lotus finally reaches the surface, the most magnificent petals unfold. The lotus is no ordinary flower. Many have survived horrible conditions. What sets the lotus apart is not just the ability to survive, but to release all signs of struggle into the water as it emerges.  Our circumstances, our upbringings, our past and current pains have the ability to control our thoughts and actions and keep us believing we belong in the mud and swimming among the murky creatures. But the lotus is more than just a survivor. The lotus perseveres and overcomes and shows no signs of the dark waters it had to travel to get there. Of course we are not flowers and it can seem silly to compare ourselves to this, but it also seems silly to spend an entire lifetime waiting for the right circumstances to grow. It is growing through adversity that produces the most beautiful and lasting change. 

Why the roaming lotus? Because this lotus likes to roam.

My name is Jess and I am a licensed therapist and registered yoga teacher. I have been military affiliated nearly my entire life, beginning with my first move at 6 months old. Moving a lot is not for everyone and can be stressful on individuals and families. I have a lot of personal and professional experience with learning how to adjust to frequently changing circumstances and environments. Teaching others how to adjust and frame thoughts to produce a mind set that takes fear out of change is something I love to do.  

 I completely understand that yoga is not for everyone and I thoroughly enjoy helping people find what lights a fire in them. We are all unique and have different ideas and desires for our lives. An important part of the therapy process is finding things that create joy, peace, and awe in you.  I like working with children AND adults on developing the skills necessary for communication, self-awareness, self-regulation, self-soothing, and self-determination. I enjoy finding different tools, games, and strategies to help others find their lotus. 

We spend a lot of time waiting for the right circumstances to make changes in our lives. Too often we wait to make these changes because of fear. We fear what others will think of us for seeking guidance. We fear being challenged about our habits. We fear being challenged about our thoughts. We fear being challenged about our decisions. 

If you learn how to recognize and escape distorted, and often habitual thinking patterns that keep you feeling stuck, you will find that that you no longer have to wait for the right circumstances to act. You will be equipped to flow  with the challenges that you face. 

Learn how to take yourself less seriously. Develop skills to increase mindfulness so you can remember what really matters to you. 

Learn how to fall and get back up. Develop skills to reduce anxiety provoking thoughts that hinder your joy. 

Learn how to spot deserts in your life and stop yourself from falling for the same mirage. The water is still not there. We have ideas in our minds that keep us gripping on to old patterns. Challenging these ideas can be difficult because many of them were formed long ago. No one said this work would be easy.