The climate of the world and the time of year has certainly ushered many beginnings.
For me, September is a month that signals new beginnings. September, more than January, feels like the start of a new year for a variety of reasons. Life settles into a routine. Vacations and lazy days of summer are over. Children return to school. Days are shorter and nights are cooler.
From childhood, we are programmed to see September as a fresh start. Childhood memories trigger new energy when we remember new school clothes, new books, new teachers, etc.. Making this time of year a great opportunity for us to make a change, to start something new and take stock of the year. A full quarter of 2020 remains to make progress on the goals and aspirations that were important back in January that we may not have been able to do, but perhaps we can start now.
As I think about what lies ahead I have taken some time to step back, pause, & reflect on where I have been. I am someone who always has a plan, a goal, a direction and with the uncertainty of life at the moment it has forced me to redefine my expectations, evaluate my future, and in some ways begin again. I had to start to ask myself “what do you want?”
Ganesha- God of beginnings and remover of obstacles.
My yoga studio has been closed for several months and while we have reopened (thank god) things are hard and feel so different. Things cannot operate as they once were. However, I try to remember that while we are limited in ways, there is still so much we can do and so much love, support, and hope that we can offer. It's a new time and a new beginning for me in many ways. While some things remain the same, so much has changed and continues to change.
To help with these transitionary times, I often look to my yoga practice for guidance. While practicing, I started to think about the elephant god, Ganesh. He is known as the remover of obstacles, a deity of prosperity, and the lord of new beginnings. It got me thinking about changing my mindset. When starting something new, it requires you to first clear space and recognizes the importance of the “beginners mindset” so that you can look at things with fresh clear eyes; filled with wonder and excitement. Not dwell on what was once or what was lost, but on where we can go from here. Since then, I have started to connect with the foundation of my yoga practice- asana, breath, mindfulness- and am using it as a way to harness the power and embrace the energy of Ganesh. To draw upon it for inspiration, wisdom, and clarity as I navigate these new times. I have to say that I am optimistic and incredibly hopeful for the future.
I hope that whatever it is you may be beginning or going through, that you too find the hope and clarity you need. Try to remember that new beginnings can be exciting and bring a sense of anticipation. Now is your chance to start anew. Pause, reflect, and ask yourself, what is it that you want? Is it time for a new beginning? Can you too harness the power of Ganesh, allow him to help remove any obstacles in your way and help inspire you to start again? Remember, every day is a new beginning in itself. What would be the first thing you would change today?
