Hello
I've been so busy playing, that I clean forgot to blog yesterday!
Anyway, I'm back now to pick up on Monday's post, when I mentioned the need to remove obstacles - the things that hold you back in life, stop your creative flow - and rid yourself of the should, ought, must mind talk.
As an aside, if this is beginning to sound like a Sally-Self-Help blog, well, yes, that's one way of looking at it. But I make no apology, because there must be few people who can honestly say they have nothing standing in their way (and they are the lucky ones). So, bear with me through my musings, the aim of which is to share snippets from my yoga practice and encourage others (including myself) to move forward, unhindered.
Enter Ganesha at this point, the Hindu elephant head deity, one of the five principal Brahman deities. Ganesha is revered as god of the intellect and wisdom, the patron of letters and learning during writing sessions (according to Wikipedia) and, appropriately, for being the remover of obstacles. Often depicted in red, Ganesha's colourful image/idol is used in Hindu homes to protect against adversity, grant success and prosperity or, at the door of Hindu temples, to keep out the unworthy. Of relevance here is his portrayal as a dancer (play) or hero (warrior) taking action against demons.
Also portrayed as the lord of beginnings, Ganesh is often worshipped at the start of rituals and ceremonies, especially at the beginning of new business ventures (book deals?) and is symbolic of courage and strength at the outset of new journeys.
In Ganesha's honour, the following mantra is often sung or chanted repeatedly:
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
You can click the link below to listen to Vidura Barrios' version:
http://open.spotify.com/track/3aWd2lC4AdSzYgdZeijdAH
Roughly translated, this means:
Om - the vibration of the universe, signifying birth
Gam - the vibration of the Root/Base Chakra (situated at the base of the spine/pubic area), the gateway of birth, representing survival, visualised as the colour red
Ganapataye - another name for Ganesh, the Hindu elephant headed deity, Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles
Namaha - a greeting, salutation
In other words:
Hey, Root Chakra, wake up, so I can get through any obstacles in life. Jai!
In yoga we also practice the use of mudras - hand gestures/positions, seen as a seal or symbol.
The photos below show the Ganesha mudra.
Try this easy exercise to alleviate stress, stimulate and strengthen the heart, promoting courage, confidence and openness towards others:
With hands positioned at the heart centre. As you exhale, pull the hands apart without releasing the grip. This tenses the muscles of the upper arms and chest area. As you inhale, let go of all the tension. Repeat this six times for each hand position and afterwards place your hands on the sternum and focus on the feeling in this part of your body.
The Ganesha mudra is said to activate the fire element (if you are into the Chinese Five Element theory), representing heat, individuality and generosity. So, you may wish to visualise the colour red during this exercise to encourage an open and friendly heart towards others.
Instead of doing a video sequence today, I bring you variations of the Warrior (Virabhadrasana) postures, in recognition both of the strength and opening they bring to you physically when practiced (especially back, legs, shoulders and arms, not to mention your balance and stability (firm base)), and also of the playful (and peaceful) warrior that Ganesha symbolises.
I've been so busy playing, that I clean forgot to blog yesterday!
Anyway, I'm back now to pick up on Monday's post, when I mentioned the need to remove obstacles - the things that hold you back in life, stop your creative flow - and rid yourself of the should, ought, must mind talk.
As an aside, if this is beginning to sound like a Sally-Self-Help blog, well, yes, that's one way of looking at it. But I make no apology, because there must be few people who can honestly say they have nothing standing in their way (and they are the lucky ones). So, bear with me through my musings, the aim of which is to share snippets from my yoga practice and encourage others (including myself) to move forward, unhindered.
Enter Ganesha at this point, the Hindu elephant head deity, one of the five principal Brahman deities. Ganesha is revered as god of the intellect and wisdom, the patron of letters and learning during writing sessions (according to Wikipedia) and, appropriately, for being the remover of obstacles. Often depicted in red, Ganesha's colourful image/idol is used in Hindu homes to protect against adversity, grant success and prosperity or, at the door of Hindu temples, to keep out the unworthy. Of relevance here is his portrayal as a dancer (play) or hero (warrior) taking action against demons. Also portrayed as the lord of beginnings, Ganesh is often worshipped at the start of rituals and ceremonies, especially at the beginning of new business ventures (book deals?) and is symbolic of courage and strength at the outset of new journeys.
In Ganesha's honour, the following mantra is often sung or chanted repeatedly:
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
You can click the link below to listen to Vidura Barrios' version:
http://open.spotify.com/track/3aWd2lC4AdSzYgdZeijdAH
Roughly translated, this means:
Om - the vibration of the universe, signifying birth
Gam - the vibration of the Root/Base Chakra (situated at the base of the spine/pubic area), the gateway of birth, representing survival, visualised as the colour red
Ganapataye - another name for Ganesh, the Hindu elephant headed deity, Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles
Namaha - a greeting, salutation
In other words:
Hey, Root Chakra, wake up, so I can get through any obstacles in life. Jai!
In yoga we also practice the use of mudras - hand gestures/positions, seen as a seal or symbol.
The photos below show the Ganesha mudra.
Try this easy exercise to alleviate stress, stimulate and strengthen the heart, promoting courage, confidence and openness towards others:
With hands positioned at the heart centre. As you exhale, pull the hands apart without releasing the grip. This tenses the muscles of the upper arms and chest area. As you inhale, let go of all the tension. Repeat this six times for each hand position and afterwards place your hands on the sternum and focus on the feeling in this part of your body.
The Ganesha mudra is said to activate the fire element (if you are into the Chinese Five Element theory), representing heat, individuality and generosity. So, you may wish to visualise the colour red during this exercise to encourage an open and friendly heart towards others.
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| Ganesha Mudra |
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| Ganesha Mudra |
Instead of doing a video sequence today, I bring you variations of the Warrior (Virabhadrasana) postures, in recognition both of the strength and opening they bring to you physically when practiced (especially back, legs, shoulders and arms, not to mention your balance and stability (firm base)), and also of the playful (and peaceful) warrior that Ganesha symbolises.
 |
| Warrior I |
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| Warrior II |
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| Reverse Warrior |
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| Warrior III |
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| Warrior I |
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| Warrior II |
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| Reverse Warrior |
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| Warrior III |
http://soundcloud.com/mc-yogi/ganesh-is-fresh-feat-jai-uttal
In the meantime, I hope this has kick-started your journey towards removing any obstacles you may currently be facing, whilst encouraging you to stay strong and grab every opportunity as it comes along.
Jai Ganesha!
In the meantime, I hope this has kick-started your journey towards removing any obstacles you may currently be facing, whilst encouraging you to stay strong and grab every opportunity as it comes along.
Jai Ganesha!
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