Celebrate Your Light

by Lisa Beck

photo from http://www.gujaratisamaj.org

Yesterday marked the beginning of Diwali 2012, the grand festival of lights in India.

Diwali celebrates goodness and light over darkness and evil.

Candles are lit, sweets are shared, families are gathered, and a grand celebration ensues for 5 days.

So in the spirit of this festival of light, we ask you:

• How can you bring forth more of your inner light and goodness right now?
• How can you cultivate more brightness, lightness, and love in your daily experience?
• How can you honor and celebrate the good within?

Here are 5 suggestions for you:

1. Illuminate your home. Light candles each evening. Set the mood for more softness, space, peace and light. As you light the candles, invite more light to come into your heart and home.
2. Listen to music. Choose songs that uplift, inspire, and set your heart aflame. Music is a healer. Lie on the floor with the candles lit and sing or hum along to the music. 
3. Light up your kitchen. Prepare a nourishing meal for you and your loved ones. In a meditative and loving manner, prepare the meal with love in your heart. Take your time and enjoy each step. Be mindful as you chop vegetables & steam rice. Use all of your senses while you prepare.
4. Meditate. Sit in meditation for at least 10 minutes each day. If you already meditate daily, add an extra 10, 20, or 30 minutes as a fun challenge. Visualize in your mind’s eye the light that lives inside of you. As you inhale you breathe in more light. As you exhale, you breathe out light and offer it up to the world and all beings.
5. Write a Love Note. It could be an e-mail or text, but I prefer to write an old fashioned letter to a friend, family member, or mentor and send it in the mail. Write about all of the things that you appreciate about this person, their gifts and strengths, the qualities that you admire about them. Tell them what they mean to you and that you see and appreciate who they really are. Include an inspiring quote, poem, or create a piece of artwork for them.

Do one or all 5 of these activities during this 5-day celebration, or anytime you want to light up your life and celebrate your light.

Blessings + Happy Diwali to All!