Mindfulness Meditation · Renewal
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Renewal. The guided meditation begins at 13:39.
Ganesha; Madhya Pradesh, India; 11th century; Sandstone; 49 × 27 1/2 × 10 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2004.14.4
Ganesha is known as the deity of new beginnings and is revered as the remover of obstacles. Individuals often make offerings to Ganesha at the beginning of new endeavors to express appreciation and ensure a smooth path forward.
Made in the 11th century of sandstone, this sculpture of Ganesha has withstood the test of time. His weathered belly and darkened trunk are the result of centuries of devotees reaching out to Ganesha 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, while another snake coils around his chest. With one of his left hands he holds a bowl filled with his favorite laddoo sweets. His other hands hold a battle axe and a tool used by elephant drivers. Everything that he is holding is associated with his role as the remover of obstacles.
As we behold the majesty of Ganesha, let’s reflect on the obstacles in our own lives, and how they can be perceived as opportunities for growth, depending on how we look at them.
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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