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How can an ancient cycle help us now?

Cycle of Renewal

When we celebrate festivals of light, we’re doing much more than lighting candles or adorning our homes with decorations; we’re engaging with an ancient cycle of darkness and light, struggle and renewal. From Diwali to Hanukkah, Yule to the Winter Solstice, each of these festivals is rooted in the timeless human quest to find hope, growth, and renewal amid life’s challenges.

The Winter Solstice: A Natural Turning Point

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. For centuries, this has been a turning point in the natural cycle, a moment to pause and honour the shift back toward longer, brighter days. Celebrated in Pagan traditions as Yule, the solstice represents the return of the sun, embodying the promise that light will come back after even the longest darkness.

This natural turning point invites us to consider our own cycles of renewal. Just as nature begins to turn back toward growth, we, too, can find the potential for change within ourselves, even when we feel at our lowest. Recognizing these cycles can help us navigate life’s difficult phases with the assurance that renewal is possible.

The Symbol of Rebirth: Light as a Source of Renewal

The theme of rebirth runs deep in festivals of light. In the Hindu celebration of Diwali, for example, lighting diyas (oil lamps) symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It’s a time of cleansing and letting go of the old, creating space for the new. Hanukkah, too, commemorates a rebirth: the miracle of light that burned for eight days, restoring faith and hope to the Jewish people.

This rebirth doesn’t just symbolize a fresh start; it also serves as a reminder that even a small light can grow and become something more enduring. Just as a single diya or candle can light up a room, the smallest spark of hope within us can be nurtured and expanded. These festivals encourage us to honour the potential for growth within ourselves and to find ways to bring new light to our lives.

The Darkness Before the Dawn: Embracing the Full Cycle

Each festival of light reminds us that renewal isn’t just about welcoming the light – it’s also about acknowledging the darkness. Before we can celebrate the return of the sun or the lighting of candles, we must first move through a period of darkness. It’s an acknowledgment that life’s challenges and low points are essential to growth and transformation.

In our personal lives, we often face times that feel like “winters” – periods of hardship, loss, or change. Yet, just as we anticipate the arrival of longer days after the winter solstice, we can hold onto the hope that renewal is on the horizon. Embracing this cycle of darkness and light reminds us that transformation often comes after times of challenge, offering us a new perspective and the chance to rebuild.

Rituals of Letting Go and Making Space

Many light festivals also include rituals for cleansing or letting go. During Diwali, homes are cleaned, and old, broken things are discarded. This practice of letting go creates space for the new, both physically and symbolically. It’s a reminder that renewal requires release – a conscious choice to let go of what no longer serves us, whether that’s physical clutter or emotional burdens.

For us, too, engaging in rituals of letting go can be powerful. Whether it’s through a seasonal declutter, journaling to process our feelings, or practicing forgiveness, letting go is a way of creating space for something new. These rituals invite us to examine what we’re holding onto and ask if it’s helping us move forward or holding us back from the light we seek.

Celebrating Inner Renewal

At its heart, each festival of light is a celebration of inner renewal – of the strength, resilience, and hope that carry us through challenging times. In celebrating these traditions, we honour the idea that renewal is a journey rather than a single event. It’s an ongoing process that happens as we grow, change, and seek meaning in our lives.

As we light candles or gather with loved ones to celebrate, we’re reminded that renewal is not just about welcoming light into our homes but also about welcoming it within ourselves. The festivals encourage us to connect with our inner light and to nurture it, knowing that even the smallest spark can be a source of strength and inspiration.

Moving Forward with the Light of Renewal

These festivals invite us to carry their message forward: that renewal is always possible, even in the darkest moments. By recognizing the cycles of light and dark in our own lives, we gain a new perspective on our experiences, seeing them not as obstacles but as steps in a larger journey. As we celebrate festivals of light, we honour both the darkness and the light, recognizing that each plays a role in the cycle of growth.

So, as we light candles, share meals, and reflect on these timeless traditions, let’s also look within and consider what it means to renew ourselves. In every challenge lies the seed of new beginnings, and every spark of hope has the potential to grow into something greater. By celebrating the cycles of light and darkness, we embrace the journey of renewal, finding ways to bring warmth, light, and growth into our lives.

See more articles from this series:

Why Festivals of Light Matter

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Why Festivals of Light Matter

The Symbolic Power of Light

Throughout history, light has been a powerful symbol of hope, strength, and renewal. From the flickering flames of candles to the vibrant lights illuminating homes and streets, festivals of light capture something profoundly universal about the human experience. Across cultures and traditions, these celebrations of light offer a shared language of resilience and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, light endures.

Light as a Metaphor for Hope

Light’s ability to pierce through darkness has long made it a symbol of hope. When we gather to celebrate festivals of light, we’re not simply lighting candles or lanterns; we’re participating in an age-old tradition of choosing hope over despair. This symbolism is seen in Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, where lamps (diyas) are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Similarly, Hanukkah candles commemorate the miracle of light that lasted against the odds, symbolizing the endurance of faith and resilience.

These festivals offer us more than historical stories; they remind us that light – even the smallest flame – is powerful enough to dispel darkness. During difficult times in our own lives, this symbolic message can be both comforting and empowering.

The Cycle of Darkness and Light

Many light festivals are held during the shortest days of the year, a time when sunlight is scarce, and nature lies dormant. The Winter Solstice, celebrated through Yule in Pagan traditions, marks the turning point when days begin to lengthen, and light returns. This cycle of darkness giving way to light mirrors life’s rhythms, showing that hardship, like the longest nights of winter, can eventually yield to brighter days.

In our lives, we can often feel like we’re stuck in metaphorical “winter” phases – times of difficulty, uncertainty, or loss. The presence of light in these dark times can symbolize resilience, patience, and the belief that things will eventually change. Just as the sun rises each morning, light always returns, bringing new possibilities with it.

A Universal Language Across Cultures

What’s fascinating about light festivals is how they emerge across nearly all cultures, from Christmas and Diwali to Saint Lucia’s Day and Loy Krathong. Each festival carries its own unique practices and stories, yet the symbolism remains strikingly similar. Light is more than a physical force; it’s a universal language that connects us, reminding us of shared values like courage, community, and unity.

In times of personal or societal hardship, festivals of light bring people together, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity. By participating in these traditions, we reaffirm a collective belief in light and hope, even when things seem bleak. The simple act of gathering and celebrating light becomes a powerful statement of resilience and a shared commitment to nurturing light for ourselves and each other.

Reflecting on Our Own Inner Light

As we move through life, there are moments when our own “inner light” may feel dimmed by challenges or doubts. Yet, these festivals remind us that light exists even in the darkest of places. We, too, have an inner light – an essence of resilience, kindness, and strength that can shine through difficulties. Like the candles lit on Hanukkah or the diyas on Diwali, our inner light can be a beacon, not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

The symbolic power of light teaches us that no matter how small or faint our light may feel, it is meaningful and has the power to bring comfort and hope to others. These festivals inspire us to nurture and protect this inner light, helping it grow and shine in times when it’s most needed.

Choosing Light in Our Lives

As we celebrate or reflect on these festivals of light, we’re invited to ask ourselves how we can carry this symbolism forward in our own lives. What does it mean to be a source of light for others? How can we cultivate our own inner resilience, even when faced with challenges? And perhaps most importantly, how can we remind ourselves that, like the returning sun after winter, there is always a path back to hope and renewal?

Whether lighting a candle or reflecting on the metaphorical light in our lives, we can find meaning in the universal power of light. In honouring these traditions, we not only connect to the wisdom of our ancestors but also to a sense of strength and unity that can sustain us through the darkest of times.

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How to use Self-Talk to Change Your mind

Self talk

Introduction

The way you talk to yourself profoundly impacts your mindset—and by extension, your reality. Your inner dialogue influences how you see yourself, your potential, and the world around you. Positive self-talk can uplift and empower you, while negative self-talk can limit your growth. However, developing healthy self-talk goes beyond simply thinking positively—it involves recognizing when to challenge negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and adopting an adaptive resilience mindset that balances personal empowerment with self-care.

The Link Between Self-Talk and Mindset

Your thoughts shape your beliefs, and those beliefs shape your actions. Negative self-talk—such as “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good enough”—can discourage you from taking on challenges and lead to missed opportunities. While positive self-talk can foster a growth mindset, it’s essential to balance it with an awareness of when to adapt, seek support, or give yourself a break. Adaptive resilience allows you to challenge negative thoughts while also respecting the need for rest and reflection.

Identifying Negative Self-Talk Patterns

Negative self-talk often goes unnoticed because it becomes deeply ingrained. Common patterns include:

  • Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst possible outcome in every situation.
  • Overgeneralizing: Making sweeping statements like “I always fail” or “I never get anything right.”
  • Self-labelling: Defining yourself by perceived shortcomings, such as “I’m lazy” or “I’m not smart.”

Recognizing these patterns allows you to begin shifting your internal dialogue.

Reframing Negative Thoughts into Empowering Ones

The good news is that you can reframe negative self-talk into more constructive alternatives:

  • Challenge your thoughts: When you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, ask, “Is this really true?” Often, these thoughts are exaggerated or distorted.
  • Replace with adaptive alternatives: Instead of saying, “I’m terrible at this,” try “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.” Reframing your thoughts helps you shift your focus from limitations to possibilities, while also acknowledging the need for patience and adaptability.

The Power of Affirmations, Visualization, and Rest

Affirmations can reinforce a healthy mindset. For example, repeating “I am capable and adaptable” can boost confidence. Visualization, where you imagine yourself overcoming challenges, primes your mind for success. Additionally, practicing self-compassion through rest and reflection is just as important as self-empowerment. Knowing when to take a break fosters emotional resilience, helping you maintain long-term well-being.

Conclusion

Your inner dialogue directly influences your mindset and how you experience the world. By becoming more aware of your self-talk, reframing negative thoughts, and practicing adaptive resilience, you can cultivate a balanced and empowering mindset that helps you thrive, not only through persistence but through compassion and flexibility as well.

See also the following articles

Psychology Today: The 5 Types of Self-Talk Your Brain Likes Best and Self Talk

Very Well Mind: The Toxic Effects of Negative Self-Talk

Positive Psychology:What is Positive Self-Talk?

Journal Prompts

  • What are the most common phrases I say to myself throughout the day? Do they tend to be uplifting or critical?
  • How do I talk to myself when things don’t go as planned? How does this impact my motivation and well-being?
  • Think of a recent situation where I was hard on myself. How could I reframe those thoughts into more compassionate or constructive alternatives?
  • How would I feel and act if I chose to believe in my ability to learn and grow, even through mistakes? What might change for me?

See the earlier posts in this series looking at the importance of mindset:

How to Shape your Inner World for Outer Success

Cultivating a Growth Mindset: How to Unlock Your Potential

How To Overcome Challenges by Shifting your Mindset

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How To Overcome Challenges by Shifting your Mindset

Figure walking along a path

Introduction

Life is full of challenges, both big and small. How you approach these challenges depends largely on your mindset. Some people see obstacles as insurmountable, while others view them as opportunities for growth and learning. However, true resilience goes beyond simply enduring adversity—it involves making deliberate mindset shifts while knowing when to adapt, seek support, or take a break. By cultivating both personal empowerment and adaptive resilience, you can transform challenges into fuel for personal and professional growth.

The Role of Adaptive Resilience in Overcoming Obstacles

Resilience plays a crucial role in how we navigate challenges, but it’s not just about pushing forward. Adaptive resilience is about staying grounded during tough times while also recognizing when to adjust your approach. Instead of asking, “What went wrong?” individuals with adaptive resilience ask, “What can I learn from this, and how can I adapt?” This mindset shift emphasizes flexibility, self-compassion, and the importance of support systems, reframing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

From Disempowered to Empowered: A Key Mindset Shift

When faced with difficulties, it’s easy to fall into a disempowered mindset, where everything feels out of your control. A key shift toward an empowered mindset involves reclaiming your agency and accepting that while you may not control the challenge, you can control your response. By shifting from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I do about this?” you take ownership of your actions. However, this also means recognizing when to seek help or make adjustments to avoid burnout.

Stories of Mindset Shifts in Action

Many successful individuals have faced significant challenges but used adaptive resilience to turn setbacks into success:

  • Oprah Winfrey: Overcame a difficult childhood by staying resilient and knowing when to lean on others and learn from setbacks.
  • Thomas Edison: Viewed thousands of failed attempts to invent the lightbulb not as failures, but as steps toward eventual success. His ability to adapt each time led to breakthrough innovation.

Tools for Strengthening Your Adaptive Resilience

Resilience is a skill you can develop through intentional practices that balance persistence with flexibility:

  • Mindfulness and meditation: These practices help you stay present, reduce emotional reactivity, and know when to adapt your approach.
  • Journaling: Writing down your thoughts helps you process emotions and gain new perspectives, promoting flexibility in how you approach challenges.
  • Seeking support: Building a strong support network is key to resilience. Leaning on friends, mentors, or therapists can help you adapt and stay grounded.

Conclusion

Overcoming challenges is less about the obstacles themselves and more about how you approach them. By shifting from a disempowered mindset to an empowered one and practicing adaptive resilience, you can turn difficulties into opportunities for growth, learning, and long-term success. Remember, true resilience involves both perseverance and adaptability.

Journal prompts

  • When I encounter obstacles, what is my typical reaction? How could I shift my focus from ‘What went wrong?’ to ‘What can I learn from this?’
  • Reflect on a time when I felt disempowered by a situation. How might shifting my focus to ‘What can I do about this?’ have changed my response?
  • How often do I ask for help when I need it? How might reaching out for support enhance my resilience and help me face challenges more effectively?
  • What practices, like mindfulness or journaling, help me stay grounded during challenges? How could I make these a regular part of my life?

See also this article from Psychology Today 7 Strategies to Face Life’s Challenges

Also our earlier article: How to Unlock your Potential with a Growth Mindset

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Cultivating a Growth Mindset: How to Unlock Your Potential

Growth mindset graphical illustration

Introduction

Achieving your goals depends heavily on how you perceive your abilities and potential. Enter the concept of a growth mindset, first popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. This mindset is the belief that your abilities can be developed through hard work, learning, and perseverance. However, true growth also involves adaptive resilience—knowing when to persist and when to adapt. This approach recognizes the importance of balancing personal effort with flexibility and support systems to fully unlock your potential.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

At its core, a growth mindset involves believing that you can continuously improve over time. People with this mindset see challenges as learning opportunities, and failures as stepping stones rather than barriers. However, fostering a growth mindset doesn’t mean constantly pushing through adversity. It also means knowing when to rest, seek help, or change your approach—all key aspects of adaptive resilience. This balance promotes curiosity, flexibility, and continuous learning, which are crucial for both personal and professional development.

Common Misconceptions About The Growth Mindset

Some misconceptions about the growth mindset include:

  • It’s not about just being positive: Growth isn’t merely about optimism but about understanding your capacity to grow and adapting to obstacles in sustainable ways.
  • Mindsets can be mixed: You might adopt a growth mindset in some areas but feel fixed in others, such as thriving in professional skills but struggling with personal setbacks. Recognizing where adaptation is needed can help maintain balance.

Strategies for Developing a Growth Mindset

Developing a growth mindset is a continual process. Here’s how to start:

  • Embrace challenges but adapt when necessary: Growth happens when you face challenges, but it’s important to know when to step back, recalibrate, or ask for help.
  • Reframe failure as a learning opportunity: Failure is part of growth, but it’s also essential to assess when you might need external support or a new approach.
  • Seek constructive feedback: Feedback is vital for growth. Don’t just persist; use it to learn how to adjust and improve.
  • Acknowledge effort, but also rest: Focus on the effort, not just results. However, resilience is not just about pushing forward—it’s also about knowing when to pause, reflect, and recharge.

The Role of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is crucial for sustaining a growth mindset. When things don’t go as planned, treating yourself with kindness helps maintain your momentum. Self-compassion also promotes adaptive resilience, as it encourages a flexible mindset—knowing when to push and when to rest.

Conclusion

A growth mindset, when combined with adaptive resilience, forms the foundation for sustainable personal and professional development. By cultivating both perseverance and adaptability, you can unlock your full potential, embrace challenges, and continuously grow. Remember, growth isn’t only about who you are now, but also about adapting to become your best self.

Watch this video from the Harvard Business Review What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means

See the previous article in this series: How to Shape Your Inner World For Outer Success

Journal prompts

  • Think about a recent setback. How could I reframe this as a learning experience? What insights or lessons can I carry forward from it?
  • How do I perceive my abilities? Do I believe they can improve with effort, or do I see them as set?
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How to Shape Your Inner World for Outer Success

Introduction to the Mindset Series

As we move into November, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of mindset and how it shapes every aspect of our lives. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, professional success, or simply seeking to improve your well-being, the way you think influences your actions, relationships, and outcomes. The good news? You can change your mindset—and in doing so, change your life.

In this month’s blog series, we’ll explore the transformative power of mindset, with a focus on cultivating not only personal resilience but also adaptability. We’ll dive deep into how your thoughts, beliefs, and mental habits create your reality and how you can shift them to unlock new levels of potential. This will include recognizing when perseverance is needed and when it’s important to adapt, rest, or seek support. By the end of the series, you’ll not only understand the profound impact of mindset but also gain practical tools for fostering a more empowered, balanced, and sustainable way of thinking.

Why Focus on Mindset?

Mindset is the foundation for everything we do. It’s the lens through which we view the world and make decisions. A fixed mindset, where we believe our abilities and talents are static, can hold us back from reaching our goals and fully experiencing life’s possibilities. On the other hand, a growth mindset—the belief that we can continuously evolve and improve—opens doors to learning, creativity, and adaptive resilience.

However, resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges. True resilience is about balancing persistence with rest, knowing when to adapt, and drawing on community and environmental support. This broader perspective on resilience will be a key theme in this series.

What You Can Expect

Over the next few weeks, we’ll publish a set of posts designed to help you understand and transform your mindset:

  1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset: How to Unlock Your Potential – Explore the concept of a growth mindset and learn how to embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, while also knowing when adaptation is needed.
  2. Mindset Shifts for Overcoming Challenges – Learn how to shift your thinking when life throws obstacles your way, so you can face challenges with resilience, adaptability, and empowerment.
  3. How Self-Talk Shapes Your Mindset and Reality – Discover how your inner dialogue impacts your self-belief and how to replace negative self-talk with constructive, empowering thoughts.
  4. Fixed vs. Flexible Thinking: Adapting to a World of Change – Understand the difference between fixed and flexible thinking, and how adaptability can help you thrive in a fast-changing world by embracing uncertainty and new perspectives.

Who Is This Series For?

This series is for anyone seeking personal transformation. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, pursuing a new goal, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, the insights and tools provided here will help you cultivate a mindset that supports your journey. Whether you’re familiar with these concepts or just starting to explore the power of mindset, these posts will offer both new perspectives and actionable strategies.

Conclusion

Changing your mindset isn’t about pretending everything is perfect or endlessly pushing through adversity. It’s about cultivating an inner world that empowers you to take on challenges, seize opportunities, and adapt as needed. Throughout this month, I invite you to explore the power of mindset with me—to reflect on how your thoughts shape your life and, most importantly, how you can shift them to create the life you want.

Let’s embark on this journey together, and by the end of November, you’ll have a toolbox of mental strategies to help you navigate whatever life throws your way with both persistence and flexibility.

See also the book Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck.

Journal prompts

  • What beliefs do I currently hold about my abilities and potential? How have these beliefs shaped my actions and choices?
  • How do I speak to myself during difficult moments?
  • What is one belief or thought pattern I want to change? What steps can I take to replace it with a more empowering one
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How to be a Good Ancestor

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the immediate concerns of life—our daily tasks, financial worries, and short-term goals. But what if we took a moment to step back and consider not just our lives, but the lives of those who will come after us? How will the choices we make today shape the world for future generations?

This is the question Roman Krznaric explores in his book The Good Ancestor. Krznaric challenges us to think beyond the here and now and consider the long-term impact of our actions. He calls this shift “long-term thinking” or “cathedral thinking,” inspired by the grand, centuries-long process of building cathedrals in the past. While those who began constructing the cathedrals would never see their completion, they knew they were contributing to something beautiful and lasting, meant to serve future generations.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Ancestor?

At its core, The Good Ancestor is about legacy—but not just the personal kind. Krznaric invites us to expand our understanding of legacy to encompass the well-being of humanity and the planet far beyond our own lifetimes. He introduces the idea of “time rebels,” individuals who challenge the modern world’s obsession with short-term results and instead advocate for decisions that will benefit people 100 years, or even 1,000 years, from now.

Krznaric provides inspiring examples of individuals and movements that embody this long-term thinking. From environmental activists planting trees today that will be forests for future generations, to policymakers advocating for laws that protect the Earth, the book emphasizes that we all have the potential to be good ancestors through the choices we make now.

Cathedral Thinking in Everyday Life

One of the most compelling concepts in The Good Ancestor is cathedral thinking. Historically, cathedrals were projects that took hundreds of years to complete, with builders working on them knowing they would never see the finished result. Today, Krznaric argues, we need to adopt a similar mindset when it comes to the decisions we make for the planet, our communities, and our descendants.

Cathedral thinking invites us to ask, “What projects or ideas can we invest in today that will benefit people long after we’re gone?” It’s about thinking beyond quick wins and immediate gratification, and instead building something enduring—whether it’s a sustainable environment, a more just society, or a cultural legacy of wisdom and kindness.

Shifting from Short-Term to Long-Term Thinking

Krznaric also points out that our current culture is deeply rooted in short-termism—whether in politics, economics, or even our personal lives. But if we want to create a world that future generations can thrive in, we need to break out of that mindset. He highlights strategies for becoming a long-term thinker, including practicing mindfulness, considering the environmental and social impact of our choices, and advocating for systemic changes that prioritize future generations.

This perspective encourages us to reflect on what kind of ancestors we want to be. How do we want to be remembered—not just by our immediate family, but by future generations who will inherit the world shaped by our actions? What values, principles, and systems do we want to leave behind? And how can we start living today with a broader view of the future?

Becoming a Good Ancestor Today

The Good Ancestor offers a hopeful message: it’s not too late to become the kind of ancestor future generations will thank. We can start by making small changes in our own lives, such as reducing our environmental impact, supporting causes that fight for a better future, or even simply reflecting on the long-term consequences of our everyday actions.

Krznaric’s book is a call to action—one that encourages us to shift our focus from short-term goals to long-term contributions. As we reflect on what it means to live a purposeful life, The Good Ancestor reminds us that true purpose isn’t just about what we achieve in our lifetime, but what we leave behind for those who will follow.

So, as we consider our personal legacy, let’s take a step further and ask: How can we contribute to a legacy that benefits future generations? What steps can we take today to ensure that our actions lead to a better, more just, and sustainable world for the seventh generation and beyond? The resources section below contains additional information that you may want to look at as you contemplate these questions.

Call to Action

Are you ready to become a good ancestor? Start by reflecting on your daily choices and how they might affect future generations. Whether it’s through reducing waste, supporting long-term initiatives, or simply being more mindful of the ripple effect of your actions, you have the power to shape the future.

More resources

The BBC have created a short, 5-minute video called How to move from Short-Term to Long-Term thinking

Roman Krznaric also gave a Ted talk on this topic as an introduction to his book.

The Long Now Foundation was established to foster long-term thinking and their website has information about its projects, talks and ideas.

The country of Wales passed the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in 2015 and has a Future Generations Commissioner.

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How we can learn from our ancestors

Landscape with heart

As autumn deepens and festivals like the Day of the Dead invite us to remember those who came before us, it’s a perfect time to reflect on both our past and our future. Many cultures use this season to honour their ancestors, acknowledging the ways in which their lives continue to shape our present. But there’s another question we might ask as we light candles and tell stories: what legacy are we creating for those who come after us?

Remembering with Purpose

Traditions like the Day of the Dead are not just about remembering the past; they are about keeping alive the values, lessons, and spirit of those who have come before us. In many Indigenous cultures, this connection to ancestors is also linked to the future, particularly through the Seventh Generation Principle. This idea, rooted in Haudenosaunee Confederacy teachings, reminds us that the decisions we make today should benefit not just ourselves, but the seventh generation that comes after us—about 140 years into the future.

In reflecting on our ancestors, we see that their struggles, joys, and values laid the groundwork for the world we live in today. We are the living continuation of their legacy. As we honour them, we also inherit the responsibility to shape the world for future generations. What we choose to do in our lives—how we live, love, and contribute—echoes forward, influencing people we will never meet.

Living Your Legacy Now

The idea of living with the seventh generation in mind encourages us to think long-term about our impact. What values do we want to pass on? How do we want to be remembered? And how can we ensure that our actions today help create a better world for those who will live 100 or more years from now?

Legacy is not just about personal memory or fame—it’s about the lasting influence we have on the world around us. Whether it’s the kindness we show, the ideas we share, or the systems we contribute to, our choices have far-reaching consequences. The Seventh Generation Principle reminds us that our lives are part of a much bigger story.

Learning from the Past to Build the Future

Looking to the past offers us lessons for the future. Just as we remember our ancestors’ resilience, creativity, and compassion, we can carry those qualities forward in the way we live. Their legacies serve as a reminder that we, too, are writing history through our daily actions. What will future generations remember about us? How can we honour the best of what came before while forging a path that reflects our own values?

This season of remembrance invites us not only to reflect on those who shaped our present, but to ask: how can we shape the future? By thinking about the seventh generation, we take a long view of life, one that acknowledges the interconnections between past, present, and future.

As we honour those who came before, let’s also consider the responsibility we have to those who will come after. What legacy do you want to leave, and how can you start living it today?

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How to Embrace Life by Reflecting on our Mortality

Day of the Dead

As autumn deepens, we enter a season where various cultures around the world take time to honour the dead and reflect on the mysteries of life and death. From Halloween’s playful nod to the unknown to the deep reverence of All Souls’ Day and the colourful, celebratory traditions of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), these rituals provide profound insights about how we live.

Though many in Western cultures shy away from thinking about death, these festivals remind us that death is not only inevitable, but also an integral part of the human experience. In many ways, they challenge us to confront our mortality and ask, “How am I living in light of the fact that one day, my time will end?”

Celebrating Life by Facing Mortality

The Day of the Dead, in particular, teaches a beautiful lesson: death is not to be feared, but honoured. Families gather to celebrate their ancestors, decorate altars with marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs, and share stories that bring the deceased to life in memory. Through this act of remembrance, they keep the legacies of their loved ones alive and, in turn, are reminded of the fleeting nature of life.

Similarly, Halloween’s origins as Samhain—a festival marking the end of the harvest and a time when the veil between the living and dead was believed to be thin—speaks to an acknowledgment of death as a natural cycle. It’s not just about ghosts and ghouls; it’s about understanding that death is a part of life’s broader journey.

Living with the End in Mind

In our modern, often fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget that we won’t be here forever. But when we begin with the end in mind, we gain perspective on what truly matters. Rather than living reactively or by default, we can become intentional about our choices, ensuring that our lives reflect the values and passions we hold dear.

As we step into this season, it’s a perfect time to pause and ask: “What kind of legacy am I creating? How would I like to be remembered?” These are powerful questions that can lead us to deeper purpose and greater fulfilment, much like the reflection and celebration that happens in these global festivals.

Take this time to reflect, not in a morbid way, but in a way that celebrates life. After all, knowing that our time here is finite can be the greatest motivator to live fully and meaningfully.

See also: How to Live Your Life without Regrets

Psychology Today: The Life Benefits of Contemplating Death

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How Honouring the Past Shapes the Future – Legacy and Remembrance

Young girl with pumpkin lanterns

As the autumn season settles in and the days grow shorter, many cultures around the world turn their attention to the themes of reflection, legacy and remembrance. Festivals like Halloween, All Souls’ Day, and the Day of the Dead invite us to reflect not only on those who have come before us, but also on our own place in the ongoing story of life. This time of year serves as a poignant reminder that while our lives are finite, our actions and choices echo forward, shaping the future in ways we may never fully see.

In this blog series, we’ll explore the deep connections between remembrance and legacy. We will look to the past—learning from the lessons of those who came before us—and consider how their legacies continue to influence us today. But just as importantly, we’ll reflect on the future: what legacy are we creating, and how can we live with greater intention, knowing that our actions today will impact generations to come?

Exploring Themes of Mortality, Legacy, and Long-Term Impact

Throughout October, we will delve into the cultural and personal significance of acknowledging mortality, legacy, and the long-term impact of our lives. Each week, we’ll explore different facets of these themes:

  1. Honouring Life and Legacy Through Mortality: We’ll begin by looking at how cultural traditions like Halloween and the Day of the Dead help us confront mortality and celebrate life at the same time. These festivals offer profound insights into living with the end in mind, prompting us to ask: what kind of legacy are we creating? How do we want to be remembered?
  2. The Power of Remembrance in Shaping the Future: Next, we’ll explore how remembering our ancestors connects us to the future through the Seventh Generation Principle, a powerful concept rooted in Indigenous wisdom. By considering how our actions today will affect people 140 years into the future, we gain a broader perspective on legacy, one that transcends our immediate concerns​
  3. The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric: Finally, we’ll reflect on Roman Krznaric’s inspiring book The Good Ancestor, which encourages us to take a long-term view of our lives and legacy. Krznaric challenges us to think about how we can become “good ancestors” by making choices that will benefit not just the present but future generations, aligning our daily actions with a larger, enduring vision.

Living with the Future in Mind

At the heart of this series is the idea that our legacy extends far beyond the immediate impact of our lives. By reflecting on what we want our future contribution to be—whether in our personal lives, communities, or the wider world—we gain clarity about what truly matters. These posts will guide you through the process of thinking about your own legacy, not in a distant or abstract way, but in terms of the choices you make every day.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to reflect deeply, not only on your personal story but on the larger story we are all a part of. Our lives are intertwined with those who came before us, and they will continue to ripple forward long after we are gone. This October, let’s embrace the opportunity to live with purpose, knowing that we have the power to shape the future.

Stay tuned for the weekly posts, and I look forward to journeying with you through this season of reflection and legacy.