Sometimes when we take the first awakening steps toward our life path, our first thoughts can be how long and how much time and energy do I need to spend to get where I am going?

Here is a memory that I recall when Tom was born, and we discovered that the book of parenthood had either not been written or was a closely guarded secret, only open to initiated people!

The fact of the matter was that the discovery of how you personally deal with every life-changing moment is the journey, and what would have been the point if at the moment of a baby entering into the world the midwife gave you the book and that was all you needed!

That is really the metaphor for how we could live our lives if we so choose, but often, instead, we keep searching for the book!

So how long and how much time and energy? That depends on what you want at the end; peace or anger, frustration or contentment.

That is why I believe we should always look at life being a work in progress without even spending one single second thinking that “I have done enough” or “how far I have come”!

Not because of fear that “I could have done more”, but for the pure heartfelt bliss (Ananda) of being able to “be” this journey!

What I think so often happens is that we get stuck upon aspects of the path and are content with staying somewhere comfortable and familiar. We have all done it, and no doubt will do it again because that is part of who we are. The trick is to see that this is where we are and to break out of our comfortable life.

Let me offer you a quick visualisation but first here is the why?

This process is facilitated by Lord Ganesha who has one of the hardest of jobs in the Hindu/Tantric pantheon, as he is the gatekeeper to the Muladhara chakra at the base of the spine, the beginning point for any Life/Spiritual path. He is also the remover of obstacles, especially when you can see that the most significant obstacle that he has overcome is the fact that he carries an elephants head proudly upon his shoulders.

So from this point, you can see that Ganesh can be a very powerful ally when it comes to change.

The Visualisation

As with all things nothing should ever be rushed, so sitting quietly for a few moments is the way we should begin.

Just let your breath be natural and allow your eyelids to soften and close.

Imagine that you are either sitting or standing in front of a doorway in your home and that the door is open.

As you begin to make out the doorway, you are aware that the frame is much larger than you remember. And standing in the frame is Lord Ganesha the grey-skinned elephant-headed deity who has come to assist you on your journey.

His trunk is broad and long, and you could imagine that it could lift the weight of the world. But his task, this time, is to remove all of the things that are holding you back. All of the fears, the doubts, the pains that you carry. These are why he is here!

Ganesh can see all things that are hidden, especially the things that are so deep you have forgotten they exist, so when he asks you to take a deep breath and exhale all of the things that are holding you back, you may be surprised by what comes out.

The color of the breath is of no consequence, as you may see everything within the rainbow. But what you will notice is that the breath is like smoke or a cloud that you cannot see through, and this is what Ganesh has come for.

Exhale as many times as you feel needed, as with every breath you will feel lighter.

The purpose of Ganesha’s trunk is in the removing process, as he begins to suck and absorb all of the hurt and suffering that you have seen and done. The injustice that is rampant both toward man and all others on this planet and all the most unknown and obscure reasons why you do not change!

This is Ganesha’s delight in assisting all who ask, but be sure you have to want to, otherwise you will just be shown in the mirror exactly what it is that needs attention.

The smoke may clear, or it may take time to work out all of the corners that remain, but given time and your genuine resolve he will bring realization.

When you are ready, open your eyes and rest before resuming your day.

Conclusion

As I mentioned, Ganesha is the first and most influential guide you can work with on your path as he works with the clearing and activation of the base chakra the access point to the kundalini energy resting at the base of the spine. Working with his energy is always gentle but firm, and he will not allow you to run before you can walk, so trust in his guidance and love.

So, a Work in Progress is the title – or should it be The Handbook to Life?