Of course, Diwali is about mithai, scrumptious food, dinners with family, new clothes and all that goes with celebrations; but what else can you do which will galvanise the true meaning of Diwali?
It is known that Diwali is about light over darkness and marking the return of Lord Ram from his exile after 14 years, but what does this mean for you as a person and human being? You will light all those diyas and candles this Diwali to light up your house, but what about your inner light? As well as the diyas and candles, your inner light should shine through to your loved ones all the time but especially around Diwali.
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Here are five tips that will ensure you glow and sparkle with your true inner light:
Approach everyone with love and compassion and let go of old resentments. We will no doubt have to spend time with members of the family with whom we do not have good relationships. Do not hold onto old wounds as these eat away at your insides, not theirs.
Take regular intervals and re charge your batteries. Even a 5-minute break can work wonders. It can be exhausting trying to get it all in, cooking, cleaning, and conversations all at the same time.
Include small acts of kindness leading up to the frenzy of Diwali day. The festive season is about compassion, not just presents, food and parties. Do not forget to be kind to others. It can be a small gesture like giving way to a car in heavy traffic, helping someone with loading their shopping, smiling, or giving a small, unexpected gift to your hairdresser/ local shopkeeper.
Accept all gifts with genuine gratitude instead of being fussy. The people who have given you presents have put in some or a lot of effort in getting the present to you. From the point of thinking what to buy, looking for the item, buying the item, buying wrapping paper, wrapping it, bringing it and giving it to you.
Reflect on all the good things in your lives and give gratitude. In conversations with family and friends during the celebrations, talk about good times instead of moaning and complaining. You can even play a game where you gather 'good things' on post-it notes and build a gratitude pot. The person with the most in their pot is the winner.
However, if you practice the above five things and draw out your inner shine, it will ultimately make you the winner, not only during Diwali but always in your life. Wishing you all a loving, peaceful and memorable Diwali!
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Hansa Pankhania is an acclaimed author and renowned coach and speaker on wellbeing, stress prevention and resilience. In this exclusive column, she will be presenting cost-free, simple, natural coping tips that can be integrated in a busy routine at home and at work to sustain a stress-free, joyful and successful life.