Practice
Bringing Ganapathi’s wisdom into daily life
Symbolism that stays on a page changes nothing. What follows is small, unglamorous and meant for the hours you are actually in.
The practice
Five steps, in this order
It takes a minute. Its whole purpose is to put a small space between what happens and what you do about it.
Pause
Before the reaction. One breath is enough to make what follows a choice rather than a reflex.
Observe the obstacle within
Name it honestly: confusion, pride, fear, impatience, wanting. The outer difficulty is usually met better once the inner one is admitted.
Ask what dharma requires
Not what is easiest, not what will look best, but what is actually right for you to do here, given who you are and what you have undertaken.
Act with steadiness
Begin at the pace you can sustain. Steadiness is not slowness; it is the absence of lurching.
Complete what was begun
Return and finish. An ending given proper attention is itself an offering.
In the moment
Eight ordinary situations
One thing to do, one thing to avoid, and a line to say quietly.
Before starting an important task
Do this
Write one sentence naming what “finished” means. Then remove one thing from the day to make room for it.
Not this
Beginning by arranging the tools, the folders and the plan, which is preparation dressed as work.
Ganapathi, let me begin awake.
The teaching behind it: Small, focused eyes, Concentration and discernment
When an obstacle appears
Do this
Ask whether the obstruction is in the purpose or in the route. Keep the first. Change the second without regret.
Not this
Pushing harder on the same method because of what you have already spent on it.
Ganapathi, make me firm in purpose and supple in method.
The teaching behind it: Curved trunk, Adaptability and strength
When desire becomes restless
Do this
Name what you want, plainly and without shame. Then ask what worthy work that energy could carry.
Not this
Either obeying it immediately or condemning yourself for having it. Both hand it the reins.
Ganapathi, let desire carry me, and not drive me.
The teaching behind it: The mouse, Desire under direction
When the mind is distracted
Do this
Close what is open. Choose one task and give it a small, definite, unbroken span of time.
Not this
Trying to want to concentrate. Narrow the field instead; attention follows a narrowed field.
Ganapathi, gather my scattered mind into one place.
The teaching behind it: Small, focused eyes, Concentration and discernment
When pride is influencing a decision
Do this
Find the person most likely to disagree and ask them. Listen to the end without preparing a defence.
Not this
Seeking one more opinion from someone who you already know agrees with you.
Ganapathi, let me hear what I would rather not.
The teaching behind it: Large ears, Patient listening
When a responsibility feels too heavy
Do this
Carry it in parts. Name the smallest piece that is entirely yours today and do only that piece.
Not this
Rehearsing the whole weight of it at two in the morning, which is neither carrying nor resting.
Ganapathi, give me the capacity to receive what is mine to carry.
The teaching behind it: Large stomach, Acceptance and inner capacity
After success
Do this
Say out loud who else made it possible. Then return to ordinary work the same day.
Not this
Spending the following week reading about it rather than beginning the next thing.
Ganapathi, keep me the same in praise.
The teaching behind it: Seated posture, Equanimity
After failure
Do this
Separate what was your doing from what was not, honestly, in writing. Keep the first and learn from it.
Not this
Converting a specific failure into a general verdict about yourself.
Ganapathi, keep me the same in blame.
The teaching behind it: Raised hand, Protection and fearlessness
What am I beginning today, and is it worth the hours it will take?
Nothing here is saved or counted. Sit with it, or let it go.