Want to bring changes to your life?

Want to bring changes to your life? Use positive affirmations. Visualise positive outcome. Find a workout buddy! Good suggestions, all of them. But how about calling on the ultimate “workout buddy”—a supreme being and the master of kundalini energy? If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about that great yogi known as Lord Ganesha.

An elephant-headed boy with a potbelly, Ganesha is beloved in India but also recognized in many other cultures, where he is commonly associated with prosperity and success. Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles, is called upon at the beginning of every new venture. For those on the yogic path, stories and symbolism relating to Ganesha are layered with meaning.

Songs, from traditional bhajans to Western-style kirtan, celebrate Ganesha’s expansive qualities. His mantra is "Om gam ganapataye namah". As the guardian at the gate, Ganesha is associated with Muladhara, the first or root chakra, which guards the gate of the body and is symbolized by a square. The square is also Ganesha’s yantra, a geometric form used in meditative practices as a way of tuning into Ganesha’s frequency or energy. A way to embody Ganesha’s great strength and fearlessness is through asana that emphasizes the root chakra and square geometrics, such as Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II).

In the West, Ganesha has become one of the most recognized deities among Hinduism’s rich and colorful pantheon, yet many Western yogis may find it alien to turn to an elephant-headed boy for help. An easier way to befriend Ganesha is to focus on the energy he represents, the macrocosmic field of intelligence and the ability to pierce through doubt and illusion.

In yoga, Mudras are various gestures often made with the hands in order to focus the mind and direct subtle energy towards a certain place. They are highly symbolic and are said to be very powerful in the Yogic tradition. The Ganesh mudra represents strength and power, and is also thought to be particularly strengthening for both the physical heart, and the heart chakra. The position of the hands clasped in front of the chest with the elbows wide, represents both protection, but can also symbolises that our biggest obstacles are often caused by ourselves. Our own doubts, fears and insecurities are often the only things holding us back, and by knowing this, we may realise that instead of seeking outside of ourselves for the answers to life’s problems, the real work lies in removing our own obstacles. Perhaps if we ask nicely though, Ganesh will lend a hand. ✨💙👁🌀🤸🏻‍♀️🐘📿🕉🙏🏻🧘🏻‍♀️✨

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah ~ Shubh Prabhat 🌀🐘🌀