Why the unalome?

The ancient unalome symbol represents overcoming suffering & embracing one’s unique life journey. The unalome is a symbol represented within many religions &, while we honor the sacred traditions & paths of these various religions, our focus is more on the message that each experience is for our greater good. Within this series of loops, curves, straight lines, & dots are held a philosophy of human existence. The universal truths held within are that we are each on our own path, yet part of the same/collective path. Each person’s path is uniquely beautiful & the experiences of life are meant to bring us to a greater understanding of what it means to be human & the impermanence of all things – we are intended to experience, notice, & grow. We are all presented with daily decisions – some are met with resistance/obstacles & some flow more freely. We are reminded that the path is not always straightforward…sometimes we are presented with curves & detours, the other side is not always recognized or known.

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So, what does the symbol itself mean?

Breaking down the components begins with the base spiral. Our paths begin in a curving upward, winding tangle of confusion, which we seek to better understand as our life’s meaning or purpose – how we will use our unique gifts & talents to serve the greater good of humanity. This, like your therapy journey, is the beginning point of self-discovery. Often, we can become lost in the spiral – seduced by societal norms & expectations, we are distracted from finding our core self.

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Next, we have the beautiful lines that curl & loop toward the center. This represents the obstacles & challenges within one’s journey, becoming more refined with each milestone we achieve as we heal, learn, & grow. As with societal norms, we can often become enamored with instant gratification (an easier path). The loops serve as a reminder to work toward being present & to press on toward your goals, even when they are challenging or seem impossible.

 

The straight line represents an overarching goal to alignment between oneself & their purpose. When the line begins to straighten, you have worked diligently to separate yourself from the trappings of an external locus of control & shift inward. It represents the disentanglement of those challenges you have overcome & is representative of hope & celebration.

 

The final element of the unalome itself (we have chosen to integrate the lotus & will go into that in a bit) is the 3 dots, symbolizing enlightenment. Each dot represents reaching your goals & finding ultimate meaning to your journey. design of the unalome includes three dots that symbolize enlightenment. These dots depict a reaching of your goals & finding an ultimate meaning to one’s journey. The meaning of the 3 dots is not to symbolize the end, rather it is intended to symbolize the growth & ability to find meaning & purpose in all things as you move toward each of your goals.

 

With our logo, the inclusion of the lotus flower is essential. A lotus flower symbolizes strength & beauty. The lotus plant grows in murky, muddy water, often hidden from the sun. When the lotus flower emerges, it pushes itself through the obstacles which would drag it down into the dark, rising above to blossom – petal by petal, each emerges beautifully from the murk. Its protective coating repels the dark to aide the bloom in becoming the beauty within. Not only does the lotus flower emerge triumphant each day during its blooming season, but it gently closes each night to awaken renewed each day, reminding us that we do not have a finite number of chances to move along our path. We take steps toward our goals each day & our past, though sometimes heavy with darkness, does not keep us held there. Rather, it gives hope for the next day, hope for the next step toward healing, hope for the next step toward supporting ourselves & others, hope for each next step.

 

We are honored to be part of your journey!