Cricket, energetic as usual, decides to trek up the canyon. She knows that both hiking and nature, itself, help her unwind and for whatever reason, she is a bit more wound up than usual – moving thoughts like a twirling kaleidoscope. But beneath the dreamy pastel blue sky and red sandstone cliffs, her mind slows, and the landscape details around her come to life. She notices singing birds, a bright green yucca plant, and she becomes aware of the softness of the air. Further up the canyon, Cricket, captivated by a melting snow patch, draws near to it and watches the bottom point, where drop by drop, snowmelt trickles down the side of the rock outcrop. She sits on dry ground adjoining the rock and studies this miniature waterfall.
From this vantage point, Cricket takes in the rest of the surroundings and notices enormous dark gray basalt boulders gleaming in the sun. The shade and girth of the boulders remind her of Elephant. Cricket smiles at the thought of Elephant and how Elephant is her ally to call upon, a helper to remind her to be grounded and fully present. Being grounded will help Cricket avoid distractions – the distractions that are obstacles for Cricket’s intention of living consciously, fully, authentically.
When she remembers all of this, she takes a breath in and resolves to practice grounding and begins by visualizing her own feet and sit bones to be girthy, heavy like Elephant. As she imagines Elephant’s weighty feet and body, she, herself sinks down and begins to feel a real connection with the earth below her. She closes her eyes and takes in a long, slow, deep breath and begins to count each breath in – 2, 3, 4 and each breath out – 2, 3, 4. In again and out again, all the while, grounded to the earth. Gradually, she becomes aware of each thought, and without judgment, lets each pass by. Twirling kaleidoscope now allayed, shoulders uncoiled, furrowed eyebrow – smoothed out.
She awakens from the meditation, takes in the scenery for a few moments before heading home. But first Cricket recollects a recent visit with Friend. Cricket revealed to Friend, her new relationship with Elephant and how that all came to be with the yoga mat liner and all (Cricket meets Elephant), and how that developed further into this unexplainable relationship with Elephant… that Elephant has been there to remind her to be grounded. The conversation continues and Cricket shows Friend the yoga mat liner. Friend looks surprised and enlightens Cricket that Elephant is none other than one Ganesha. Cricket, unfamiliar with Ganesha, looks at Friend inquisitively. Who is Ganesha? Friend patiently replies, Why, Ganesha is a Hindu deity, and is revered for removing obstacles, of course!
