September: Build Your Way Through

Inspired by Ganesh Chaturthi

Some obstacles announce themselves loudly. Others look suspiciously like a task you’ve been avoiding for three weeks.

This September, inspired by Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s meet a challenge with a little creativity—and one manageable step.

learn & recite

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव ।
Nirvighnam kuru me deva.

“O Lord, remove obstacles from my path.”

This short selection comes from the traditional Vakratunda Mahakaya prayer to Ganesha.

Recite it before beginning something difficult. Let the prayer be a moment to gather yourself, welcome guidance, and consider your next step.

your affirmation

“I can meet challenges with patience, creativity, and help.”

Say it after the Sanskrit. Remember: asking for help counts as moving forward.

try this: make an obstacle map

Choose something that feels tricky—starting a project, learning a skill, or having a conversation you’ve been putting off.

Draw a path across a piece of paper. Mark your starting point and where you’d like to go. Add your obstacle along the way, then sketch three possible ways forward:

A smaller step I could take.
Someone I could ask for help.
A different approach I could try.

Choose one and give it a go.

Trying this as a family? Build a simple obstacle course with cushions and floor markers. Try different ways through, then ask: “What helped when we got stuck?” Enthusiastic coaching from the sidelines is almost guaranteed.

one small step, every day

Recite the Sanskrit, repeat your affirmation, and ask:

“What is one useful step I can take today?”

Notice what works. If your first approach doesn’t help, adjust your plan and try again.

At the end of the month, look back at your map. What became easier? Who helped? What surprised you?