What Bappa taught me

This was the 5^th year we invited Ganpati Bappa at home, and these 5 days totally flew! It was as if each day was just 2 hours long, instead of 24 hours.

Ganesh Chaurthy has been the most cherished and auspicious festival in Mumbai. And we are no exception. In these 5 years, we have experimented with every possible style of idol and each one stood out in its own special ways.

With every passing year, the creativity these idol makers put in has simply made my jaws drop. Right from a new born ganpati to a doreman themed ganpati, from miniature version of Laal Bagh Ka Raja to the very latest “Selfie wale Ganpati”, idol makers have totally kept pace with the trends and know what will pull the crowd.

1^st year we brought the “Normal Ganesha Idol”, 2^nd year we brought the miniature version of “Pune’s Dagadu seth”, 3^rd year it was “Om Ganesha”, 4^th year my sister made one with Clay and soil (and this one totally took our breath away) and this time, we brought a small 1.5 feet heighted “Eco Friendly Ganesha”.

Ganesha is my favorite god. Yes, because he always listens to me, has been guiding me through and through and that he has taught me lessons which only he can teach. Hence I am writing this to share the 3 most precious teachings Ganesha has taught me :)

1.       Love yourself. No matter what.

It really doesn’t matter if you have a bulging tummy and a generous waist. He has taught that there is nothing better than loving yourself and accepting your body and mind, the way it is. Whatever the almighty has created is beautifully perfect. And that is the only truth.   

So all the people who are trying really hard to fit into society’s acceptable norm of a size zero, pear shaped, hourglass and what not, just stop. And take some inspiration from bapppa.

It’s time we celebrate ourselves. You are unique, just like everyone else.

2.      Listen More, Speak Less

We communicate to reply, not to listen.  

The minute someone starts narrating their story, we simultaneously forecast in our head, what they will ask and what i will reply.  It is as if blabbering is important. It doesn’t matter if the other person is even absorbing any of those words!  

Cant we listen, to just listen? Sometimes that solves most of our problems.

The elephant god’s huge ears reinstate the importance of paying attention, To self, and to others.

3.      Humility & Respect for others.

Ever creature is important and has a place for itself. This could not have been explained in a way better than depicting a mouse as his “Sawaari” (vehicle). While we acknowledge the strength and might of large creatures, we often take the smaller ones for granted and assume that they are good for nothing.

Be it the animal kingdom, personal and professional lives, giving humility and respect to all is a must. You never know who could get you to the top!  

So, the next time someone comments on your weight or takes you for granted, you know how to act. These were 3 of my learnings. I would love to read what you have learned from lord Ganesha in the comments section below.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthy!