Recently, I was asked how I was doing in this challenging world. Living in NYC during a raging pandemic, separated from family, friends and work, I said, I was fine but so tired. It takes so much energy to hold it together to remember our true nature, like holding your balance in an intense windstorm. I feel myself being blow toward fear. In the stillness of my practice and my own breath I can easily manage. I can feel my heartbeat, and the ebb and flow of my breath and experience my embodiment as the energy of love.
When I walk into the world and leave the cocoon of my apartment, I can immediately notice a shift. It is as if the winds are so strong, I need to concentrate on holding my feet to the ground.
I have been looking to ritual and meditation to navigate these unusual times.
One of the sweet rituals is the celebration of Diwali. This is the reminder of the goodness in the universe. This is the celebration of light over darkness. In preparation we can bathe in oils, adorn lights in our homes and offer sweets to our friends and neighbors.
These are the outer preparations and yet there is a deep understanding that this celebration is about replacing darkness and ignorance with the light of knowledge. Dispelling past bitterness with renewal of friendship for times to come. The firecrackers that are often heard are symbolic of releasing and letting go of bottled up resentments. This is an opportunity to reach out to a loved one or a neighbor that could in need of the love. Your love can be just the anchor they need to hold them during these challenging times. Happy Diwali and may the light of your heart be the sustaining force of love in your life. What rituals of sharing light do you bring to your life?
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