Since visiting India I become enamoured with Ganesh which symbolizes protection and the removal of obstacles from one’s path. In fact, even his tusks are a metaphor for intellectual strength, adaptability and efficiency. Now you can understand why I feel so aligned to his mojo.
So many great qualities to take strength from. Since my visits I’ve begun collecting Ganesh’s which now number five. I personally love my three in and around our garden and pool areas, as they bring a feeling of peace and harmony to these areas of our home. Watching out for us and keeping us safe.
Ganesh is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism, and literally everywhere you look when in India, hence his popularity not only in India, but recognized globally.
I’ve been fortunate to visit to India on several occasions and each time my experiences have been unique and enlightening in that although the poverty that you witness is crushing there is a contagious sense of positivity with almost everyone you meet. They don’t dwell on what they don’t have but are grateful and positive for what they do have and are constantly looking forward.
We could definitely take some lessons from their approach to life. They are generous and welcoming to a fault which is so heartwarming and refreshing in a world that has its fair share of negativity and hate…
The first Ganesh I purchased back in 2013 is solid brass and sits prominently in our workout studio along with a Tibetan “singing bowl“. Both bring a modicum of harmony and peace to this tranquil space.
Often after a meditation or yoga class I place the singing bowl in my hand and run the wooden stick around the edge to create the vibrations and sound that emanates from the bowl. This high-pitched sound and subsequent vibrations really go deep into the body which I find brings a sense of deep peacefulness.
Recently our local garden center was closing down as the owners were retiring, and so Judy and I discussed what new plants we would pick up for our garden. With her at work in the city I trundled over to the garden center with high expectations of finding a palm or two.
I told Judy that I would Facetime once I was onsite to show her what was on offer and so she could decide what to have. She had even skipped lunch with a co-worker to wait for the call. Great plans sometimes have a slight flaw, yes, I’m the flaw in this story…
When I first entered the center by the palms, I noticed a beautiful stone Ganesh perched up on a pedestal. I was instantly drawn to it and pulled the leaves away to see a gorgeous and large Ganesh staring back at me. How could I pass up the chance to buy him and instantly knew where I wanted him positioned in our front garden.
So, before I even looked at the plants or palms, I purchased him and took him to our SUV. I struggled to get him into the car as he weighed well over 60kg (120+ lbs) as I had to lift him from ground level to over my waist to get him high enough to slip into the back. Clearly, I need to work out more!
I then drove home and placed him and his pedestal out front behind our foxtail palms – he looks fabulous! However, I had forgotten to actually buy any plants nor Facetime Judy after promising her… Luckily for me Judy is a good sport when it comes to me and my obsessions with Ganesh and all she could do is laugh.
Yes, we eventually picked up a couple of new plants for the garden, but not exactly how we had planned it. Unfortunately, we missed out on a couple of the palms that Judy wanted, but we remedied that shortly afterwards. Now she has a story that she wheels out regularly regarding my broken promise to Facetime her from the garden center. Oi vey!
Personally, not sure you can have too many Ganesh’s in your life. Don’t we all hope to have a talisman of sorts that protects us and removes obstacles from our lives. No matter which way you look at I feel that he brings a lot of positive energy to our home and lives.
If you don’t have a Ganesh or two you may want to consider buying one just for good measure, as well, I would highly recommend buying a singing bowl if you’re into meditation or yoga.
Those vibrations run the length of your body which brings me a personal sense of centeredness and wellbeing. Clearly, we can all do with a bit of positive energy in our lives. I find the hard part of meditation is turning off all the noise in my head, especially when I begin the session. Between my deep breathing and consciously ridding myself of any thoughts I also sometimes find it difficult not to nap.
I guess you may consider this a side benefit!
Until next week.
Ciao!
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