Mindfulness Meditation · New Beginnings
This week’s meditation session is led by Kimberly Brown and the theme is New Beginnings. The guided meditation begins at 13:27.
Ganesha; Madhya Pradesh, India; 11th century; Sandstone; 49 × 27 1/2 × 10 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2004.14.4
Made in the 11th century, this sandstone depiction of the Hindu deity Ganesha has withstood the test of time. His weathered belly and darkened trunk are the result of centuries of devotees reaching out to the deity by hand to invoke his blessings.
Ganesha is perpetually in motion, dancing to the rhythm of drums played by two small figures on his right. He is adorned with a crown and triumphantly bears a cobra in his upper pair of arms. Another snake coils around his chest. With one of his left hands he holds a bowl filled with his favorite ladoo sweets. His other hands hold a battle ax and a tool used by elephant drivers. Everything that he is holding is associated with his role as the remover of obstacles.
Kimberly Brown is a meditation teacher and author. She leads classes and retreats that emphasize the power of compassion and kindness meditation to reconnect us to ourselves and others. She studies in both the Tibetan and Insight schools of Buddhism and is a certified mindfulness instructor. Her latest book is Happy Relationships: 25 Buddhist Practices to Transform Your Connection with Your Partner, Family, and Friends. You can learn more about Kimberly at meditationwithheart.com.
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