It is fitting that I write about celebrating the light in the face of darkness because soon  people in India and of Indian descent and their friends will be celebrating Diwali (Dipavali in Sanskrit, meaning “row of lamps”; also spelled Divali or Deepavali) . This is a Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere).

This year it is celebrated on October 24th. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.”   Wikipedia

 

As our sunlit days are shortening and as we traverse from autumn to winter, many of us will be spending more time indoors and also become more reflective. It’s the time of the year when traditionally, families gather and celebrate. This time of the year, with all its revelry,  can also lead to loneliness and sadness as family and friends may be far away, or no longer with us.

We may be longing for something, which we are not able to clearly identify. We can all benefit from the definite need for more lightness….. So let’s keep our inner flames alive and bright.

It is good to be reminded of things that we can do to stay resilient and joyful, even with the challenges that we face.

And with Halloween quickly approaching, looking beyond the ghouls and goblins, the dark and gloom, acknowledge that amidst the darkness, we are always seeking the light…. enjoying the shadow dances, the patterns on the ceiling and walls created by the carved and lit pumpkins and the other candle light.

 

Then, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to practice mindful gratitude, to take joy in the little things which we often overlook or maybe take for granted. Slowing down, connecting with our breath, taking a closer look and expressing appreciation for the tiny things.  Rediscovering the little wonders around us.

 

Make a mental or written list of all the things that are meaningful and important to you. Write in your journal.

Then take a moment to see what else you may not have listed because you just expect those things to be there. A roof over our head, heat, electricity, running water, a working stove, a car, our health, no pain, or being mindful of the pain and acknowledging the origin of it.  Gratitude for having enough. Just being. Feeling like we are enough. Maybe realizing that we’ve had enough! It may seem like a simplistic approach but the more you practice taking note of these things and feelings, the more powerful it becomes.

Reach out to someone you love and tell them how much they mean to you. Check in on someone you haven’t been in contact with for a while.

Put away your devices and have a deeper conversation with someone. Practice your listening skills. Give them your undivided attention.

Sharing a communal meal or not. Eating mindfully, enjoying each bite. Lighting a candle for you, for others, to  mark  the moment. Laughing at a fond memory. Laughing for the here and now.

Year’s end will be here before we know it, with more holidays and celebrations. Twinkling lights and candle light in the room. Memory-triggering childhood smells and scents and more opportunities to connect and laugh.

 

If you seek more laughter, try joining a free virtual or in-person laughter club, where you can experience a fun series of laughter, breathing exercises and meditation led by a certified Laughter Yoga professional.

Soon you will be feeling more playful and expressive, allowing yourself to feel more relaxed and carefree. Smiles are the gateway to to giggles,  which can slowly build up to more gentle laughter, explorative laughter and  to belly laughs.  We laugh unconditionally, in a group and connect with each other in an uplifting and respectful way. Stress be gone! No worrying about the past or the future. We are in the moment!

Laughter clubs are safe places where we not only laugh but play, listen, respond, hold a space for others, foster our compassion and empathy, sing, dance, speak gibberish, become childlike (not childish) and practice meditation. It is all about sparking the light within and sharing our luminosity with others. If you haven’t yet visited a laughter club, seek one out in your area or online.  Join me on Laughter Mondays via zoom (email me at alexafd@gmail.com for the link and password) or find another virtual session listed at Laughter Yoga Zoom Group- Laughter Social Clubs .  Seeking a private session for you and your group? Contact me and I will customize the perfect session for you.

It may be just what you need to thrive through the seasons. Shine on.