Thoughts and feelings on end-of-life are present for me today. My ‘father-in-law’ hovers on a threshold. A client cancels an appointment from the ER. I’m potently reminded of mortality. This arrives on my doorstep after a deep dive into yoga practice this past weekend. I notice myself longing for more, please.
The truth is, no one knows how long we have on this planet. Not even these individuals. Life is uncertain. It’s not so much that I’m feeling doom, but rather, the presence of death, rivets my inspiration for life. More please.
I find that cultural myths and icons which endure over generations, regardless of source, are inherently rich with meaning for life. Ganesh, the elephant headed Indian icon holds deep truths about the human condition. He’s a gate keeper of thresholds, of life and death, of any transition; born of Parvati’s need for protection. I wish these dear ones in my life, the protection that Ganesh might offer. Don’t we all need more protection in today’s hungry world. More please.
Ganesh also resides in that place where desire emerges, where we are called to discern what’s ‘right’ for us, from the many options presenting. This morning I long for soothing. Yoga soothes me. More please.
Ganesh holds within his large body, the entire universe, reminding us that everything we need lies within. But it’s not readily available. We have to cultivate it. Without ‘practice’ I can be utterly disempassioned and blunt. With practice, my heart softens to receive the fullness of my world. More please.
Ganesh’s love of sweets reminds us that this life is not all about work, but about savoring the sweet nectar along the way. Life can be demanding, calling for a bone weary vigilance, dampening all desire. Practice, nourishes these thirsty roots with full breath. I savor my life. More please.
In truth, we are all Ganesh, with the capacity to breath into our lives, into the deepest, darkest moments, and the most exquisitely blissful peaks. You don’t get one without the other. With abiding presence and curiosity, we can choose to stand at each threshold, ripening to ourselves, present to the mystery. More please.