Category: Seasonal reflections

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Festivals of Light: Finding Hope and Connection

Finding Light

In a fast-paced, often challenging world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and darkness. But as winter approaches and the days grow shorter, many cultures worldwide come together to celebrate festivals of light—rituals that remind us of the warmth, hope, and resilience that can be found even in the darkest moments. Diwali, Hanukkah, Yule, and Christmas are just a few of the celebrations that not only honour the return of physical light but also offer timeless wisdom for finding inner strength, connection, and meaning.

Festivals of Light as Beacons of Hope

Today, many people feel the weight of personal and global challenges, from isolation and uncertainty to the impacts of a fast-changing world. These festivals remind us of the power of light, however small, to offer hope and comfort. During Hanukkah, the lighting of each candle marks a miracle, a symbol of perseverance through hardship. Similarly, the small diyas of Diwali glow in defiance of darkness, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

In this way, festivals of light act as beacons, urging us to look within and recognize our own capacity for resilience. They inspire us to find light within ourselves and to foster hope and positivity, even when circumstances feel difficult.

Rekindling Connection and Togetherness

One of the most powerful aspects of festivals of light is the way they bring people together. Whether gathering for a meal, exchanging gifts, or sharing stories, these celebrations remind us of our shared humanity. In a world that often emphasizes individualism, festivals of light offer a chance to reconnect with others and build a sense of community. They encourage us to step away from the busyness of daily life and to focus on togetherness, reminding us that we’re stronger when we share our light with each other.

During the winter solstice, for example, communities in northern Europe traditionally gathered around a fire to share warmth, food, and stories. Today, we may not all gather around a fire, but the spirit remains the same: to find comfort in each other’s company and to renew our bonds. In modern times, this togetherness is more vital than ever, offering a source of strength and a reminder that we don’t have to face challenges alone.

Embracing the Light Within

The festivals of light are not just about celebrating external sources of light; they’re also about nurturing our own inner light. They invite us to take a step back, reflect, and renew our commitment to what matters most to us. In the quiet glow of candlelight or the warmth of a shared meal, we’re reminded that our inner light—our kindness, resilience, and purpose—has the power to uplift both ourselves and those around us.

In modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in achieving, acquiring, and constantly striving for more. But these festivals encourage a different focus: they remind us of the importance of slowing down, reflecting on our lives, and reigniting our inner spark. They give us space to consider what truly brings us light and meaning and to think about how we can nurture that light, not just during the festivals but all year long.

Finding Meaning Amidst Modern Challenges

As we navigate today’s challenges, the wisdom of festivals of light becomes especially relevant. The world around us can sometimes feel uncertain, yet these celebrations teach us that light will always return. Whether it’s the return of the sun after the winter solstice or the gradual lighting of candles during Hanukkah, the message is clear: darkness is temporary, and we have the strength to endure.

We can apply this wisdom to our own lives. These festivals invite us to cultivate patience, faith, and the courage to believe in better days ahead. In times of struggle, they offer a framework for resilience, showing us how to hold onto our inner light and trust that we have what it takes to move forward.

Moving Forward with Light and Purpose

The beauty of festivals of light lies not only in the celebration itself but also in their invitation to carry the spirit of light and renewal into our everyday lives. They encourage us to be mindful of our own light—our passions, strengths, and values—and to find ways to keep that light alive. They remind us that we can be a source of hope and inspiration for others, helping to build a more connected, compassionate world.

As we celebrate, we can ask ourselves: How can we bring light to those around us? How can we be a source of hope and positivity in our communities? By answering these questions, we honour the true spirit of these festivals, carrying their meaning forward and letting their wisdom guide us through life.

So, as we light candles, gather with loved ones, or take time to reflect, let’s remember the modern relevance of these traditions. They aren’t just rituals from the past; they are timeless reminders of our shared resilience, the strength of community, and the power of inner light to see us through even the darkest days.

See earlier articles in this series:

The Symbolic Power of Light

The Cycle of Renewal: Finding Meaning in Festivals of Light

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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 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.