Find peace of mind through the lotus seasons.

Natural mental wellness therapy

The lotus is an image of nobility and purity, rising from muddy waters yet still radiating fragrance and beauty. In culture, the lotus is associated with Buddhist philosophy, the simple beauty of Vietnamese women, and the peaceful spirit of the countryside.

In the fast-paced, stressful rhythm of modern life, people are increasingly facing pressure, stress, and a disconnect from themselves. Amidst this chaos, many are seeking refuge in nature, in peaceful spaces for healing. One of these increasingly popular "natural therapies" is lotus viewing. More than just a relaxing activity, lotus viewing offers profound spiritual benefits, helping individuals find inner balance, heal wounds, and restore vitality.

The image of thousands of pink lotus blossoms swaying in the wind, peeking out from the water's surface, their delicate petals yet brimming with vitality, is a sight that leaves anyone speechless. Unlike the proud rose or the vibrant sunflower, the lotus possesses a humble, pure, and tranquil beauty. Standing amidst a lotus pond, breathing in its gentle fragrance, and gazing at each bud unfolding in the morning mist is like a slow, gentle, and profound meditation. It's a moment when the mind is calmed, emotions are released, and inner healing begins.

According to psychologist Dang Thanh Van, nature has a significant effect on improving mood, reducing anxiety, and regenerating energy. The gentle colors, natural sounds, and subtle fragrances of plants can stimulate the production of serotonin – the happiness hormone. The lotus is a particularly effective therapy, not only for its beauty but also for its positive symbolic energy and stress-reducing properties. Specifically, the soft light and delicate pink color of the lotus create a soothing visual effect, helping to relax the nerves; gazing at a lotus flower from bud to full bloom allows us to let go of the past and future, focusing on the present moment. The psychologist also believes that appreciating the delicate yet powerful beauty of the lotus helps people learn to confront and heal their wounds; it enhances contemplation: gazing at lotuses in a tranquil space is like open-eyed meditation – helping people connect with the depths of their souls.

Therefore, lotus ponds are not simply places for cultivation but have become spaces for experiencing a harmonious blend of nature, culture, cuisine , and art. Ms. Nguyen Thu Nga (41 years old, Hanoi), who suffered from depression after previously taking on numerous business contracts hoping to earn a lot of money, visited the West Lake lotus pond (Hanoi) following advice from others. “Looking at the pale pink lotus flowers with their gentle fragrance, I calmed myself down and suddenly realized that for so long, I had been living a hurried life, preoccupied with making money, neglecting myself and developing many illnesses. It had been a long time since I had spent a summer afternoon sitting under the sunset, admiring the lotuses by the lake. Could my life be as peaceful and serene as the lotus? Why did I turn myself into a money-making robot?” she questioned herself. Ms. Nga realized she needed to slow down. She temporarily stopped working and her busy contract schedule. Throughout the lotus season, every afternoon she goes to the lake to admire the lotuses, finding peace of mind, appreciating the beautiful and tranquil things happening around her, and "recharging" her positive energy. She feels happy that she is gradually moving away from the medication she used to treat depression.

Besides admiring lotus flowers, enjoying dishes made from lotus is also a form of natural therapy. Mr. Son Tung (32 years old, Nam Dinh) often indulges in lotus-based cuisine whenever he feels stressed. According to Mr. Tung, lotus seeds have a calming effect and promote sleep. Lotus-infused tea helps to calm the mind and soothe emotions. Lotus rice flakes, lotus sweet soup, lotus jam… all have a delicate, subtly sweet and refined taste that makes the consumer feel comfortable, warm, and peaceful.

Currently, some meditation and yoga centers have incorporated lotus viewing into their therapeutic courses. People spend 30 minutes sitting and gazing at a lotus flower, meditating and breathing in rhythm with the opening petals – a gentle yet profound meditation exercise. At lotus ponds, many people combine gentle yoga movements with nature, enhancing the calming effect on the nerves. Some even paint lotus pictures, take photos of lotuses, or write journals about their lotus-viewing journeys – all forms of emotional expression and inner healing. Psychologists believe that creating a therapeutic space using nature – especially lotuses – is very suitable for people with mild depression, those experiencing loss, or those currently "escaping" from their lives.

Seeking a place of peace and tranquility.

The lotus blooming season, usually from May to July, is also the time when tourists flock to provinces and cities such as Hanoi , Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Ho Chi Minh City… to immerse themselves in the beauty of this flower that "grows in mud but is not tainted by the smell of mud".

The lotus ponds of West Lake are a familiar spot for Hanoi's youth, domestic and international tourists every summer. Even in the scorching June sun, groups of visitors of all sizes continue to flock here to take photos. Each pond's gazebo offers a full range of services including costume rentals (such as ao dai and ao yem), makeup artist services, and photography. Here, visitors can not only comfortably pose amidst the fragrant lotus flowers but also have the opportunity to enjoy rich and delicious lotus tea.

Ngồi thiền, tập yoga giữa hồ sen. (Ảnh: Linh Văn Đinh)

Meditating and practicing yoga amidst a lotus pond. (Photo: Linh Van Dinh)

While not as bustling as West Lake's lotus pond, the Xuan Dinh lotus pond, a white lotus pond in Tam Hung commune, Thanh Oai district (Hanoi), still possesses a captivating beauty that enchants visitors. The vibrant pink of the lotus flowers stands out against the tranquil countryside. This is an ideal "check-in" spot for those who appreciate pristine, peaceful beauty. Visitors can move across the pond via wooden bridges or sit on boats to enjoy a relaxing, immersive experience amidst the lotus blossoms.

Not only in Hanoi, but also in other provinces and cities, there are lotus ponds with stunning scenery, featuring pure white and delicate pink blossoms. Pho Chau lotus pond ( Ha Tinh province ) is one of the new "check-in" spots that young people in Huong Son district, Ha Tinh province, absolutely love. Pho Chau lotus pond is situated amidst the tranquil countryside. June is the harvest season for farmers, and the scent of lotus flowers blends with the scent of rice, creating a distinctive aroma that is both refined and rustic, characteristic of the sunny and windy land of Huong Son. This is also the time when students return home for summer vacation, giving those far from home the opportunity to admire the peaceful beauty of the lotus flowers in their hometown.

Although only recently blooming, the Tam Da lotus pond (Ho Chi Minh City) has become an ideal "check-in" spot for people in the South during the summer. The "lotus kingdom" of the Mekong Delta in Dong Thap province is the most prominent area in developing lotus tourism. With thousands of hectares of lotus cultivation, especially in the districts of Thap Muoi, Tam Nong, and Cao Lanh, Dong Thap has successfully exploited the lotus season to develop community-based ecotourism. Visitors here can not only take photos with lotuses but also paddle boats in the ponds, wear traditional Vietnamese clothing, learn how to make lotus-flavored rice cakes, wrap spring rolls in lotus leaves, or stay in homestays amidst the peaceful countryside.

Thua Thien Hue – a land rich in royal traditions – has long been associated with the lotus flower through royal cuisine, imperial lotus tea, lotus paintings, and lotus poetry. Here, the lotus is not only a beautiful sight but also an integral part of the cultural identity. The Tinh Tam Lake area – once a place where Nguyen emperors enjoyed themselves – has been replanted with lotuses, allowing tourists to experience taking photos, drinking tea, and listening to royal music amidst the ancient setting. Hue girls, dressed in Nguyen dynasty costumes or traditional ao dai, come here to take photos and capture peaceful moments. Regardless of the color of the dress, when paired with the backdrop of green lotus buds, green leaves, and pure white flowers, the woman appears more elegant and refined.

Beyond simply taking photos with lotus flowers, many lotus-themed tourism models have expanded to include experiences such as: rowing boats, picking lotus flowers, and harvesting lotus seeds – becoming "farmers" amidst nature; experiencing the making of lotus rice flakes, lotus tea, lotus jam, and lotus cakes; visiting lotus-related craft villages: weaving baskets from lotus stems, weaving fabric from lotus silk; and enjoying traditional arts by the lotus lake: Ca Tru singing, Xam singing, royal court music, and lotus dance. These experiences are both culturally educational and help tourists relax and connect with nature.

Many people who lack the financial means or time to visit lotus ponds have found peace in treating themselves to a cup of lotus tea on their balcony, a bouquet of lotuses on their desk, or simply a picture of lotuses on their phone screen – all of which can bring a sense of tranquility, helping them disconnect from worries and find their inner peace.

The lotus flower doesn't promise any miracles, but through its simple beauty and profound message about life, people learn to love life, slow down, and cherish themselves and their families more. Amidst the hustle and bustle and pressures of life, gazing at a lotus flower is like a tranquil moment – a place where the mind can rest, the heart can be warmed, and the soul can be healed.

Thuy Duong

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/thu-thai-tam-hon-qua-nhung-mua-sen-post551702.html