Happy New Year and Ganesha’s Blessings

Jan 1, 2021 | Philosophy, Yoga practices | 6 comments

 

An image of a statue, Ganesha the Hindu God reclining and wearing a beanie.

Ganesha

Here is the Hindu God, Ganesha, still sporting the beanie he wore at Christmas. His post is at the entrance to the Yoga Shed at Mitchells Island. He signals a friendly welcome to all students. As you can see, Ganesha has mastered the art of relaxation. He has the look of someone who has transcended the need to do physical yoga postures, or any exercise at all.

In his role as the harbinger of new beginnings, I can imagine that Ganesha is also welcoming us into the New Year. By all accounts, many of us are pinning our hopes on a simpler, more certain, healthier, less restricted new year. Ganesha can help with this too, as he is known to be the remover of obstacles. We can invoke help from this deity in eliciting inventiveness and creativity in squaring off with uncertain times.

By extension, we could probably adopt Ganesha as the Muse for our New Year’s resolutions. If, for instance, we are planning on beginning a year of regular yoga practice, healthy eating or being kinder to ourselves and others.

If you are a student of yoga philosophy, the first of January equals the ‘now’ part of Patanjali’s first sutra, “Atha Yoga-Anusasanam”. The word ‘atha’ announces, ‘Now.  Let’s get down to business – let’s begin.’

The truth is that every moment is a fresh start. A new opportunity to share your goodwill. To cultivate loving kindness. To stop by the roadside and admire a sunset. To ring a friend who you’ve been thinking about. To finally get the good china out just for you. To learn some circus skills. To read ‘Lord of the Rings’ (again). To walk on the beach in the rain. Or sun. Or wind. To be a little less fearless.

I wish you happy beginnings, Ganesha’s blessings, on whatever you choose to make of this precious day and year!

6 Comments

  1. Thank you Eve! and wishing you and the Shedders a hopeful, sparkling 2021.

    Reply
  2. New Year Greetings Eve.

    Excellent read on Cataracts, thank you.

    Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha wonderful.

    Living in the Red Zone PB.. all quiet here.
    Love
    Rick

    Reply
    • A little late, Rick, but nevertheless may you enjoy a happy and healthy 2021.
      Kind regards, and Namaste,
      Eve

      Reply
  3. True words indeed Eve
    Kindness is the only way forward
    Happy new Year blessings to you and all the Shedders.????

    Reply
  4. Thank You Eve Much happiness and well being for you in the year ahead

    Reply
  5. Happy New Year Eve! I love this! Thinking about Ganesh is perfect.

    Reply

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