A(NU) Thought

Light Up The Darkness: A Fluorescent Awakening by T.P. Blakewell is a beautiful book that looks at Diwali from a spiritual perspective.  Rather than taking the traditional route, the author explores what light overcoming darkness, good overcoming evil, and knowledge overcoming ignorance mean to us on a personal level. The book takes us through a six-day journey: Make Room, Clear, Welcome, Sustain, Love, and Carry. The author calls it a spiritual companion for Diwali-season reflection and recommends following the sections in order, with time to read, pause, reflect and practice each day.

I secretly judge Gen Z, and while I’m not proud of it, I’m trying to unlearn this bias. Sometimes, I find myself wondering why they question everything, speak so openly about their boundaries, or refuse to accept things simply because “that’s how it has always been done.” Maybe they have it easier than we did. We learnt to adjust, keep going and sometimes stay silent. But does that mean they should have to do the same?

Ever noticed how your mood suddenly changes when you enter a room? ➤ A meeting feels tense. ➤ A party feels energetic. ➤ A holiday destination instantly lifts your mood. We often call it the “vibe.” But psychology has another explanation: Emotional Contagion. It is the unconscious process through which we pick up and mirror the emotions of people around us. And it works both ways. ➤ A stressed colleague can make you feel tense. ➤ An anxious boss can create urgency across the team. ➤ A cheerful person can lift the mood of an entire room.