What is your “ Jai Ganesha?
Each of us go through life and it’s many colorful ups and downs, plateaus and ridges in our own unique ways. We react to an event big or small differently and let it change or affect us in a million ways. We also prepare mentally for something like a loved ones surgery or an upcoming presentation in unique ways. Letting our minds ride a roller coaster of possible scenarios or be like a still forest depends on the gut feeling and the day. Sometimes there are rituals around such feelings or events like deep breaths or brewing a cup of strong coffee. Calming the nerves as some call it by playing a certain piece of music or holding onto a lucky penny. Some people call these superstitions and others call it a quirk. Certain phrases like “Godspeed” or “you got this” “it’s all good” come to mind.
My phrase when starting something afresh — a project, a drive to the morning carpool or a road trip or a greeting to end a phone call with certain family members is “Jai Ganesha”. The beloved Indian Elephant God who is known to be the destroyer of obstacles. Stories of his birth, his lineage and his love of ladoos (an Indian sweet) is what I grew up on and brought my children up on. Every big religious ceremony begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesha.
This week we celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha and begin the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi. The Culture Box comes with a blank sheet where you can list all the things you want to begin with his blessings. As I reflect on his name and what role it plays in my life, I can’t help but think that when I say “Jai Ganesha” as I am about to embark on something, big or small, i give myself a moment to come into the present. A moment to regroup A quick breath with a positive thought that all will be well. When ending phone calls with certain family members, we each say “Jai Ganesha”. This is our way to acknowledge the bond we share. And communicate good wishes without spelling them out.
Every culture and people has its beliefs and stories condensed into certain forms of being — tangible, audible or ritualistic. My moment of coming to the now is “Jai Ganesha”, what it yours?