To Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles.
The last year has taught me more than anything about gratitude. Gratitude for what is, what was, what will be. Gratitude for things that have changed, evolved, left. Gratitude for things always working out, somehow, someway, for the highest and best.
Business disasters, challenges, stressors are inevitable. Sometimes it’s horrific shit that really seems hopeless (and if you’re anything like me, makes you wonder why you continue to deal with the nightmares of business ownership in the first place).
What does Ganesha have to do with it?
I can’t tell you how many times the Hindu God Ganesh (or Ganesha) appeared in my world during the last months. If not Ganesha, elephants… again and again. In statues, artwork, imagery. And the ultimate reminder that we can ask for help, to whoever we believe in, even if it’s just ourselves. The God of wisdom, prosperity, success and good luck, he’s also the remover of obstacles.
He’s invoked before starting a venture to ease the path from difficulties that may arise. So what happens if the difficulties are already “risen” or the venture has begun?
"I've already lost touch with a couple of people I used to be" — Joan Didion
There are so many beginnings that happen with a new business (see New Moon Neuro for more on that), and as a new mother, or even becoming new version of myself. We begin again and again, in different seasons of life, different versions of ourselves, each one being a new beginning just when we feel like we can’t possible start over again.
Maybe you, too, find it supporting to lean into a deity or even spirit animal for your path. (See also: I LOVE a good Spirit Animal deck for a daily dose on that magic!) Here’s a few takeaways from Ganesha…
Remember you are capable of inner authority, endurance, strength, and courage! Where have you forgotten this?
There importance of maintaining a single-minded focus. What is yours?
Ganesha’s large ears are listening to prayers. Who (or what) can you share your prayers and concerns to?
There is a need for generosity and total acceptance, within ourselves, too. What needs acceptance within you?
What next?
Ganesha clears the obstacles and paves the way for us to move forward in life. Whatever that looks like to you, whenever you need it. Maybe it’s the fresh start of a new business venture, or a rebrand, or a new stage (or season) of your life. Just don’t forget to acknowledge the gifts within the roadblocks. The ways in which you are spared, or redirected, or challenged to bring upon a better result. Because even in the messiest lessons, there are always silver linings. There are always answered prayers, better-than-expected aftermath, healing moments where we least expect them.
In my case, I was relieved of managerial and retail stress from a bucket list business. I dreamt it, I built it, then I let it go. Peacefully, quickly, with ease, amidst the most chaotic season of my entire life. I lost touch with enumerable friends, colleagues, employees who no longer had my best interest at heart. I experienced the most cathartic cleansing rebirth humanly possible with a refined sense of purpose, focus and shrunken inner circle. There are truly no regrets and no hard feelings, even in the moments I wish it’d happened sooner. Just gratitude, a remembering of myself, a connection to the Universe that was bigger than I’d had prior.
Most of all, I have a crystal clear connection to my path. My purpose. My gifts. And those I share my consulting work with, a more specific few than I’d shared my magic prior, will be witness to it in a big big way. I look forward to serving.
