Why Shiva?

What is, and who is, Shiva?  I’m not a Hindu and my total knowledge of this God Shiva worshiped by Hindus is quite rudimentary.  So, I will describe the Dancing Shiva the best way I can, from the perspective that inspired this blog.  

About twelve years ago, when I was 23 years old, I was reading the book: I Know This Much is True, by Wally Lamb.  In the book The Dancing Shiva was introduced as the God/Goddess of destruction.  At my young age, I was shocked to find out that Hindus worshipped a God who destroys things.  “Why would they do that?” I thought. Reading on, I found out that the reason such a destructive God is worshiped is because, in life, we often have to deconstruct what is old and not working any longer to build new again.  

At the time of learning about Shiva, my dad was quite ill.  In fact, only a few months away from dying.  My fathers sickness (and soon passing) was also on the heels of other tragedies that included, financial loss in my family, losing our home, my father losing a business, and more, all by the time I was 23.  Needless to say, at such a young age, I had experienced a tremendous amount of tragedy.  And, staring squarely at the next one to come, my dad’s passing, I was grateful to have found the concept of Shiva.  The Dancing Shiva gave me something to hold on to, a belief that my ransacked life was for a reason, that it was okay, that one day I may look back at it all with gratitude.  

I am happy to report that, twelve years later, I do.  

Now, this is not to say that I haven’t suffered since I was 23, or that I am so wise now that while I’m living in the middle of some new tragedy in life I’m happy about it.  I suffer like everyone else, kick scream and try to change what is happening when I’d rather not experience it.  However, even if it is fleeting, I’m always able to find some sort of grace about it while in the middle of it.  The concept of the Dancing Shiva allows me to be in “it” knowing that there is some sort of purpose behind it.   

The concept of a Dancing Shiva lives in many religions or belief systems.  We have the concept of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, for example.  The bottom line is, when you need inspiration, come over to this blog for a visit.  Know that you aren’t alone when you are struggling, that it isn’t for nought, that you are meant to be where you are and that maybe one day the reason for why you suffered will present itself to you.  Dare to believe there is a reason.  

There is a great story a yoga teacher once told me, that I will paraphrase here: Whatever or whomever knocks on your door, welcome them, for you don’t know what gifts they may be bringing.  

With love, 

The Dancing Shiva