Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu deity who both places and removes obstacles.

I stumbled across this wonderful phrase in a cyber-friend’s blog this morning:

What’s in the Way Is the Way.

Wow, do I find this both relieving and appropriate on so many levels right now.

The past couple of months have been tumultuous ones for many. In my family alone there have been two major accidents. Both my father and my younger sister, Christian, have been in the hospital within the last thee weeks.  Also, now half-way through leading a yoga teacher training in Thailand,  I am admittedly tinkering at my edge while orchestrating this event, teaching, and tending to the ups and downs of the students

After two weeks of communal living topped with intensive yoga practice and study,  what gets in the “Way” for all of us has really become apparent. The popcorn has started popping, so to speak.

Whether it’s fear, anger, control issues, sadness, doubt, laziness, or a physical illness or limitation, these less-than-desirable realities can overcome us like a thick fog. Will they ever leave, we wonder. Will I ever be happy and healthy again?

When we zoom out to take in the big picture, a resounding “Yes!” responds.

As I look back at the story of my life, I see how my darkest moments have led to my most luminous insights. This isn’t just some spiritual jargon, it’s the real, bare bones truth.

Ten years ago a diagnosis of Cervical Dysplasia shattered my dreams of going to West Africa with the Peace Corps. Instead, it led me to Thailand to heal. If that had never happened, I wouldn’t have embarked with such conviction on my spiritual path, much less be doing what I’m doing here in Asia right now. 

The unexpected (and oftentimes painful) twists and turns are what have made me who I am today.

If you think something is getting in your Way, take a step back. Let your present obstacle show you the way to your own heart. This requires humility, vulnerability, deep listening, and ruthless self-honesty.

The revealed route may not be the one you had envisioned for yourself, but it may just be the one that shows you the way home to yourself. 

My heart feels your heart as you find your Way.

And whenever you need a place to rest, regroup, and reflect, remember that you’re always welcome here, just as you are.

Tags: Cervical Dyspalsia, Ganesh, heart, Hindu deity, hospital, Peace Corps, spiritual jargon, Thailand, West Africa, Yoga Teacher Training

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