Mindfulness Meditation · Obstacles
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Obstacles.
Ganesha; Madhya Pradesh, India; 11th century; Sandstone; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2004.14.4
Considered to be the son of Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati, this 10th-century sandstone Ganesha from Madhya Pradesh stands multi-armed in a dynamic pose of dance holding a club, an ax, a snake over his head, and a bowl of sweets. He appears this way because he is known as the removing of obstacles and can club, chop, or burst through anything that may stand in his way. Since he removes obstacles, he is one of the most universally beloved deities across India. All people worship him and in particular make offerings before beginning new endeavors in hopes of preventing any obstacles that may come in their way.
Tracy Cochran has taught meditation and spiritual practice for many years. She is a speaker and author whose most recent book, Presence: The Art of Being At Home in Yourself, was published by Shambhala Publications in 2024. Tracy is the founder and leading teacher of the Hudson River Sangha and has taught mindfulness and mindful writing at New York Insight, the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, and many other venues. In addition to serving as the editorial director of the acclaimed spiritual quarterly Parabola, her writings have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Psychology Today, The Best Spiritual Writing series, Parabola, and many other publications and anthologies. For more about Tracy, please visit tracycochran.org and parabola.org.
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