…behind the temporary unavoidable moments of human darkness is the light of calmness and clarity…

As light of all kinds illuminate the festivities around our communities, we contemplate its relation to mindfulness. Different cultures around the globe celebrate the power of light to conquer darkness. The festivities are too numerous to list them all, but include our very own Zozobra; Native American Sun and Fire Dancers; India’s Diwali; Mexico’s Night of the Witches; Hanukkah, Christmas, and multitudes of lantern and light festivals––all with spectacular displays of fire and light and messages of hope and love.
Likewise, mindfulness often includes reminders that behind the temporary unavoidable moments of human darkness is the light of calmness and clarity. Even scientists have described the brains of frequent meditators as more “illuminated” than those of non-meditators. Tich Nhat Hanh says of the practice of mindfulness…
It’s like a magnifying glass concentrating the light of the sun. If you put the point of concentrated light on a piece of paper it will burn. Similarly, when your mindfulness and concentration are powerful, your insight will liberate you from fear, anger and despair…