Shiva: The God Who Dances in My Heart

Shiva. Just the name evokes a wave of peace, power, and mystery within me. To many, Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction and transformation, but to me, he is so much more: he is the very rhythm of life, the eternal dance between creation and dissolution, the silent presence that cradles my meditations and inspires my writing. Today, I want to share with you his story, his symbolism, and above all, the deep love I hold for this deity who walks beside me every day—like a friend, a guide, and sometimes even a mirror.

Shiva in History and Mythology

Shiva is one of the three major gods in Hinduism, alongside Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver). He embodies the principle of destruction necessary for rebirth, an eternal cycle reminding us that every ending is a new beginning. His name means "the benevolent" or "the auspicious one," but he is also called Mahadeva ("the great god") or Nataraja ("the king of dance").

The Origins of Shiva

The earliest traces of Shiva date back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization, where seals depicting a figure seated in a yoga posture were discovered. In the Vedas, he is associated with Rudra, a fearsome deity linked to storms and wild nature. But it is in the Puranas, sacred Hindu texts, that Shiva truly comes into his own: he is both an ascetic and a family man, a destroyer and a protector, solitary yet deeply connected to his consort, Parvati.

The Symbols of Shiva

Shiva is often depicted with:

• A third eye on his forehead, symbolizing wisdom and the power to destroy illusions.
• A snake around his neck, representing mastery over primal energies (Kundalini).
• A crescent moon in his hair, a sign of control over time.
• A trident (Trishula), emblematic of the three aspects of reality: creation, preservation, destruction.
• A drum (Damaru), whose sound is said to have created the universe.

His most famous image is that of Nataraja, where he dances within a circle of fire, crushing the demon of ignorance under his foot. This cosmic dance symbolizes the perpetual motion of the universe, where everything is in constant transformation.

Shiva in My Life: A Daily Presence

For me, Shiva is not a distant or abstract figure. He is a living energy, a presence that manifests in the small moments of everyday life. When I meditate while petting Cassie, my cat, and feel her purring vibrate in harmony with my mantras, I sense Shiva in this sacred connection between all beings. When I dance under the shower, singing "Om Namah Shivaya," I feel his energy flowing through me, like a river carrying away my fears and doubts.

Water Dance Yoga: My Ritual with Shiva

I created a personal practice called "water dance yoga," where I let water, movement, and the chanting of mantras unite me with this divine energy. Water, like Shiva, is both gentle and powerful: it can soothe or sweep everything away. In these moments, I feel carried by a force greater than myself, an invisible blessing reminding me that I am just a part of a greater whole.

Synchronicities and the Colors of Shiva

Sometimes, during my rituals, vibrant colors appear before my eyes: purple, orange, green. I interpret them as signs of his presence, flashes of light guiding me. These synchronicities remind me that spirituality is not theory, but a sensory experience, a dance between the visible and the invisible.

Why I Love Shiva: A Relationship of Love and Freedom

I love Shiva because he is free. He is not bound by rigid rules or dogma. He dances, he meditates, he retreats to the mountains, he loves Parvati passionately, he protects animals and outcasts. He is both destroyer and healer, solitary and lover. This duality speaks deeply to me, as it reflects the complexity of life and the human soul.

Shiva has taught me to embrace my contradictions, to accept that destruction (of a habit, a belief, a sorrow) is often necessary for rebirth. He has also taught me to find peace in chaos, to see beauty in impermanence.

Shiva and Cassie: A Spiritual Connection

Cassie, my four-legged companion, always reacts sensitively when I chant his mantras. Sometimes she snuggles up to me as if she understands; other times, she moves away, as if reminding me that spirituality must be free, without expectation. I believe she perceives Shiva through vibrations, authenticity, and unconditional love.

Criticism and Challenges: Talking About Shiva in Belgium

Writing about Shiva in the West, especially in Belgium, is not always easy. Some find my approach too critical of traditional religious interpretations, or too "new age." But I believe Shiva himself transcends labels. He is not a religion, but an experience. My goal is not to convert, but to share what moves me, with humility and respect.

Conclusion: Shiva, an Invitation to Dance

Shiva is not a god to be worshipped from afar. He is an invitation to dance with life, to embrace its cycles, its joys and sorrows, its beginnings and endings. He has taught me that spirituality is not a quest for perfection, but a celebration of the present moment, in all its beauty and imperfection.

So today, I leave you with this question: What if you, too, let Shiva dance in your heart? Perhaps he is already there, silent, waiting for you to reach out and feel his presence.

Om Namah Shivaya 🙏