No surprise that in this complicated and unprecedented time I have been seeking simple symbols of support.  Ganeshji, the round and gentle Elephant deity from the Hindu tradition, has floated (or maybe stomped) into my mind lately.  

According to the tradition, Lord Ganesh’s role is to lead you through the metaphorical jungle, trampling obstacles and clearing the path so you can walk more freely.  That’s what I call a pal!  

I can only imagine how it feels to be a child and grow up with the solid and comforting archetypes of the Hindu tradition.    I am raising my son to be culturally Jewish, and as children do, he’s got a million questions about God and religion, and even has his own elegant theological system that has nothing to do with anything we’ve taught him ?  One of my favourite things about being a student of comparative religions is being able to say to him, “According to this tradition”, or, “some people believe such and such.”  Explaining the deities of Hinduism is just delicious because they have such strong archetypal resonance with children.  Or in other words: kids think they’re amazing and cool.  

Ganesh’s body parts are each considered to be separate symbols.  His small eyes are a sign of his single-pointed concentration.  His large ears are symbolic of listening well.  His chubby tummy means he can “digest” anything life sends his way, good and bad.  Ganesh holds objects in three of his four hands:  a rope to pull us into higher states; an axe to cut attachments to material things; a bowl of sugary treats because reaching your spiritual goals should taste sweet. 

Hinduism has a multivalent, colourful and rich set of beliefs and practices so there are numerous ways to connect with its power.   Thus there are many ways to invoke Ganeshji’s support.  Here are a few, all of which are great for grownups and for kids.  

1. Elephant Mudra-  Mudras are simple hand gestures used in the yoga tradition to subtly direct energy.  The Ganesh mudra brings your hands to your heart and is designed to increase the feeling of being cared-for.  Settle into your seat.   Clasp your hands together at your heart.  Bring your elbows out by your sides.  Take some deep breaths in through your nose, and deep into your tummy.  Exhale.

      2. Listen to deity’s mantra.  Here’s a terrific version of Ganesha’s by Jai Uttal.  

      3. Elephant Yoga Pose:  Begin in star pose, legs spread and arms outstretched.  Take a deep breath in, and bend one arm forward toward the ground like your elephant trunk.  With your “trunk” on the ground, suck up as many imaginary peanuts as you can find!  Inhale both arms back up into the star position.  When you’re ready, switch sides. 

According to neuroscience, thinking literally changes our brain.  It’s been proven that if you imagine you are flexing a muscle, you increase strength in that muscle.   It makes sense, then, if we associate feelings of comfort and support with a certain visual, the neural pathways for comfort and support will increase by looking at it.    It seems to work for me, anyway!  A small golden Ganeshji is sitting reliably on my desk, providing comfort and support throughout my day as needed.  

What about you friends?  What archetype, what practice, what ritual, is supporting you through these challenging times?  Please share in the comments below.