“Darkness does not exist. You cannot remove darkness. Do whatsoever you want to do, you cannot remove darkness. You cannot bring it, you cannot throw it. If you want to do something with darkness, you have to do something with light…..Put the light on, darkness is not there.” Osho

 

 

This December, as the darkness descends and we approach the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, it is a good time for reflection on the year now closing: on all the blessings that have come our way through the year, even the blessings in disguise. Even the challenges that have graced our lives this year can reveal some hidden blessing, a lesson, a chance for growth when we look back. Gratitude is both a healing and inspirational force.

I always like to take time for such reflection at the end of the year.  We are all aware how challenging and often seemingly dark these times are, with many of the problems and behaviours that modern day mankind face seeming more insurmountable than ever before.

 

The short days and long nights can seem to highlight this “darkness” permeating human society. For eons, cultures all around the world have acknowledged the darkest days of the year and celebrated it as a turning towards the return of the light again. They have celebrated not only the return of the sun and longer days, but also symbolically the potentiality for each one of us to awaken to the inner light, love and wisdom.

 

It’s important we stay positive and clear, and keep a good vibration and peaceful frame of mind during these times. We are all like pebbles dropping into a still pond. The ripples that our lives create, our actions, our words, and indeed our thoughts have effects that extend far beyond the circumference of our own individual worlds. A kind deed will never be forgotten, nor will a hurtful word.

 

Keeping your Yoga practice up through these winter days can help with this. I know it can be hard to drag ourselves out to class on cold days and nights, but we can kindle the inner fire, love and light with our practice and in coming together with others for practice – there’s that power in numbers. Our Yoga and meditation practice will keep us strong to face and respond to whatever challenges come into our lives and the lives of those we love in these times, with kindness and wisely.

 

 

THE BOY AND THE STARFISH:

“Once upon a time, a young boy walked along a beach and came across thousands of starfish washed up on the shore. They were still alive and he could not leave them to die. He started to throw them back into the ocean, one by one. A man walked by him and laughed, saying, “You don’t think you’re going to make any difference to that pile of starfish on your own there do you, boy?” The young boy replied, “Well, I’ve made a difference to that one I just threw back in.” The man realised the truth in his words, and joined the young boy. Others too passed by, then stopped realising they also could help and make a difference, until very shortly all the starfish we safely back in the ocean.”

 

“Help the world to become better. Don’t leave the world just the same as you have found it – make it a little better, make it a little more beautiful.” Osho