Diwali

On dreary, rainy days like today has been in South West England we understand the cross-cultural prevalence of winter festivals of light. Jews will start their Hannukah celebrations on 8th December, with pagans and those leaning to nature-based spirituality welcoming the suns rebirth after the winter solstice, and Christians celebrating the birth of their light of the world on the 25th.

Light and warmth aren't just brought to us by the physical strength and hours of sunlight; my life feels brightened by (among other things) company of loved ones, a cosy home, comforting food and pursuits and general merriment. All typical features of the holiday season; falling in the season of nurture.

Ayurveda - stemming from the same part of the world as today's Diwali celebrations - aims to heal through regaining balance. So during these months, to rebalance the cold and dark of winter, we must increase warmth and light. I look to what represents this to me, perhaps by wearing gold jewellery and glitter, or eating an orange. I use what has a warming, brightening affect such as using spices like cinnamon and ginger, taking baths, lighting candles, going for a walk on one of those winter days where the air bites cold but the sun is so warm and feeling my skin drink that sun in and through all of my body.

Find what represents warmth and sunshine to you and, on days when family aren't coming around for a festival and feast, brighten your winter with it.

Happy Diwali!   ♥