Chrysalis Austin logo- deconstructed
I chose "Chrysalis" because it symbolizes the transformation and growth inherent in the human experience. We are all butterflies.
Inspired by its tale of resilience and transformation, I selected the lotus for its profound narrative of perseverance.
Our experience as we make our way through muddy waters has many defining moments.
One of mine was when I lost my Grandfather during my yoga training. I was crushed and yet shifting in profound ways. My Grandpa always carried a uniquely shaped tool on his keychain, who’s outline you can see entwined with a lotus flower in my logo for Chrysalis Austin Studio.
“My previous prejudice against the photinia intensifies my current admiration for this resilient and beautiful plant. Fact is, although natural beauty is certainly desirable, beauty that is hard won is even more impressive. It is for this reason, I believe, that our fascination with the butterfly is universal and enduring. The butterfly’s story has been told over and over again. All school children are familiar with the phenomenon of its life cycle: how it transforms itself from a not-too-attractive worm into that graceful, jewel-in-flight we know as the butterfly. An even more potent fact about the life of the butterfly, however, is its need to struggle out of the chrysalis in order to fly. For in this struggle to shed its protective covering the creature gains its strength to fly and survive. Indeed, if one were to try and do its hard work and crack open that shell to release it, the butterfly would never be able to fly. And so it is with human creatures. There are lessons of survival that no one else can learn for us; we must build our own muscles in order to fit ourselves for life”. -unknown….Copyright 2000
The lotus begins its journey submerged in water amidst mud and debris. Despite these challenging surroundings, it steadily grows, pushing through the murky obstacles towards clearer surfaces. Initially just a stem with a few leaves and a small flower pod, over time it continues to grow until the pod rises above the water, emerging into the clean air. Finally liberated from the harsh conditions below, the lotus unfurls each exquisite petal to the sun. Remarkably, not a trace of mud clings to its surface; internally, it remains pure, bright, and beautiful.
Symbolically, the lotus flower embodies enlightenment. It thrives in muddy waters yet maintains pristine petals, reflecting the journey of practitioners who navigate life's chaos to achieve enlightenment through dedication and practice. The lotus bud symbolizes spiritual awakening, emerging from darkness to break through the water's surface—a metaphor for the dawn of enlightenment.
Moreover, the lotus represents purity of body, speech, and mind—an awakened consciousness naturally drawn towards truth, love, and compassion. While delicate in appearance, the lotus possesses inner strength, firmly rooted beneath the water's surface.
The lotus's story resonates universally. Despite personal struggles and past adversity, we each possess the capacity to seek illumination, persevere, and thrive.
