I have a tattoo on the back of my neck. I got it when I became certified to teach yoga. It is a beautiful lotus flower, in the traditional sailor-tattoo blue. It makes me very happy.
My thousand-petaled lotus represents yoga to me. Each petal is imbued with compassion, love, and gratitude, and I can visualize sending a petal floating off to people around me. The lotus helps me remember why I practice yoga instead of step aerobics: I strengthen my body while I elevate my spirit. Sounds lofty, I know, but it’s true. Yoga has many “limbs”, and although I began with the practice of poses (asana), I was soon led to practice compassion and gratitude, to meditate, and to live a life of awareness. (Note the use of the word practice -- I ain’t perfect, but I am trying!) My lotus tattoo is always with me to remind me of the life I aspire to lead.
Not everyone appreciates my tattoo, and I understand that. My mom likes it, though. In fact, she came along with me and got a tattoo herself, a nice ankle bracelet that matches the silver bracelet she wears on her wrist. To answer a popular question, yes it hurt. But not so badly that I wouldn’t get another one, if the spirit moves me! For now, my thousand-petaled lotus blooms on my neck, reminding me to greet everyone around me with compassion and love -- and to float a petal for myself once in a while, too!
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