I have known about Diwali, (the Hindu Festival of Lights), for many years but from a distance. I am not Hindu but have been involved with Hindu practices and around Hindu teachings my entire adult life. But I still was not that familiar with this symbolic festival. Then, when a dear friend (Veenaa), who was raised in that faith sent out an invitation to attend a Diwali ceremony at her beautiful, peaceful retreat home up on the Northern Coast, in the town of Gulalala. I felt a strong inner yes when I read the email. I guess it was time to get closer acquainted with Diwali.
I initially thought about inviting some friends and went in that direction. Then I heard another inner calling; that bringing the girls would be a bonding and healing experience. Despite their calling me a hippy, I am the girls to spiritual practices and healing opportunities, I am most grateful any opportunity that will allow for both connection to self, to Spirit, as well as planting seeds that may blossom later in life. Seeds that will support and nurture their highest and best good and the paths they will walk on.
With the strong yes motivating me, we headed up early on Saturday morning. We made our way slowly, stopping for bagels and cheese in Valley Ford. It was early and we while we started out tired as soon as we saw the spectacular, rugged West Coast and the rolling hills that lead to black sand beaches and jutting rocks, we were invigorated. We made stops at pullouts to take in the views, snap some photos and to just give thanks for being able to be alive and witness such remote glory of land and sea.
When we reached Veenaa;s we were able to rest before the festival began. We had spent time at her (and her partner David’s) special home and retreat center, which is nestled within redwoods. The girls were not quite sure what to expect. I was not really either but once we gathered in the dance studio space, Veenaa explained that this festival is about remembering that light outshines the darkness; that the good in the inner and out worlds will win out over evil; that light shines stronger than any darkness and that honoring the light that lives within is imperative for a healthy, balanced exsistence.
We spent time dancing, individually and with partners. The girls were both a bit uncomfortable but Auntie Veenaa included Taylor Swift, Sia and Rhianna dance remixes that got them moving and shaking. There was some even some rolling on the floor at times. It filled my heart to see them get out of their heads and into their bodies
Havana was a little more reserved, being more of an introvert. At one point, she felt she had enough and asked to excuse herself to do homework. She felt unsure of this decision but clearly had enough at that point. I encouraged her to take care of herself and to never do things that push her boundaries and limits; that speaking up and self-care are essential life long actions. When it came time to take our lite candles (after a ritual of using the candles to honor the light in each other), to the little pond on the property, to symbolically let them go, Havana rejoined the group for this part of the ritual. It was a lovely way to wrap up a lovely evening. We broke bread afterwards, getting to know each other with stories and our experiences. When it was time for sleep, we rested well.
We had to wake up early the next morning to get home but there was something sweet about waking up before sunrise and making our way back down the rugged California coast. The colors that emerged from the darkness made for perfect stops to take in the morning glory and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.
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