Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by installing (sthapana) the idol of Lord Ganesh in our homes. He resides in the perineum and activates the Mooladharachakra. In Hindu culture, all prayers start with the praises of Lord Ganesh. This is done to ensure that we stabilise ourselves before moving to the next step. Similarly, in asana practice,Upavishta Konasana, Baddha Konasana and Supta Padangusthasana 2 help us activate this energycentre in the body and move towards stability, before proceeding to flexibility and stretching.
After the initial excitement of the festival, lethargy (Mudhata) may setin. One needs to be aware of it and not use aggression to overcome it, as it may result in headaches, redness in the eyes and acidity, in the following month (October). The effects of ageing can be seen in the sagging of our bodies and slower working of our mind. Maintaining a healthy balance between mental and physical well-being is not an easy feat. For this, we must be connected to our body andbe aware of its strengths and weaknesses. Some people may take 10 minutes to warm up their body, while others may need 30 minutes or even close to 2 hours.It is perfectly fine to be different from others. Only then can we move ahead in our goal towards a good and healthy disposition. Lord Ganeshcomes once a year to remind us that no matter how different we are from each other, the single most important thing that each one of us should have in commonis- stability.