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Light brings Calm Amidst Storms
Wild typhoons have raged, both literally and metaphorically across the world over the last few weeks. Not only have we seen flooding in Southern India and heavy storms in the Philippines, we have witnessed deep thunder cracks and sharp lightning bolts shock through the international climate talks as North met South, as expectation met reality, as hope met fear, and as a yawning gulf re-emerged between the global leaders negotiating our future in Bangkok.
For most, the talks left a wave of shock in their wake. The news that rather than taking strides towards a global agreement on climate change, we have in many ways moved a number of steps in reverse was of deep concern. It stirred alarm for many, especially the youth, who made a declaration of no confidence in the international negotiations at the close of the Bangkok conference. Demonstrations emerged across the world in response, with protesters climbing onto the roof of the Houses of Parliament in London.
The mood has been bleak since the talks…. Where to move next, when the deadlock on climate seems reinforced? Where will the leadership and transformation we need come from in the short space of time it needs to?
As these questions and concerns swirl around email channels, bounce off satellites, emerge through news wires, traverse phone lines and cross board rooms, stirring up a fervour, a festival is nigh.
Today is Diwali, the festival of lights, and it is celebrated not only in India by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, but in pockets around the world. It arrives as we move from one season to another; here in Delhi - from the scorching summer heat to the chill of winter. Coloured lights checker the skyline, sweet gifts are exchanged and oil lamps flicker in windows.
Diwali has many different forms of significance but one that is common to all is a celebration of the power of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance as we seek solutions to the challenges life brings. It offers a time to celebrate the good within the bad, the positive within the negative and the hope within the lost.
It seems that these times of pause and reflection represent a rare opportunity to make the space to see what is real, true and possible; offer the space for illumination. To stop, as the first step towards finding the right way forward.
With this in mind I, along with many others, am putting out a prayer this Diwali, for the consciousness and illumination we need to transform our approach to today's challenges. After all, challenges are just the other side of opportunities. And calm is at the centre of every storm, so I am told.
Happy Diwali!
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Climate Change and Global
Climate Change and Global Warming Issues are becoming an alarm to life existence on earth. After failure of Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the question arises, who is taking the responsibility to control this issue. Diwali is one of the famous festival in India, thanks for sharing your views.
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home with diyas
Young and old, men and women, all dress up in new clothes on this day to illuminate their home with diyas. The deities of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped on Diwali, after which, the people share sweets and gifts with their relatives and friends. Fireworks, which attract the kids the most, form the highlight of the festival.
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Great work...
Looks like a good one :)
Diwali
For me is to learn Thank you
climate change
Thanks for the useful post.
Good
Diwali and climate change
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