'Tis the season |
In late September, in the early 2000’s, surprised to be serenaded by ‘Feliz Navidad’ at Manila airport, I learned that, in the Philippines, any month with a ‘ber’ at the end is fair game for Christmas festivities. Now, as our cultural and religious festivals have increasingly become consumer ‘tentpoles’, retail associations the world over seem to throw up Christmas decorations earlier.
Traditionalists may scoff at Christmas decor arriving before Halloween is over, but in multi-cultural Singapore, depending on when the Muslim, Hindu and Chinese festivals fall, we can find ourselves celebrating from October to February. It makes sense for festive lights strung for Divali to also serve for Christmas, New Year and on until Chinese New Year - with holiday specific decor swapped out in between.
Having been in the northern hemisphere extensively since September, I must say, I’m a fan of this approach: there’s nothing like a dark and windy winter night to remind you how soul-soothing twinkly lights are to we humans.
Let there be light |
The metaphor of light symbolizing knowledge, hope, divinity, love and life seems so deeply embedded within us. Conversely, we associate darkness with ignorance, despair, evil, fear and death.
Fire was a significant milestone in our evolutionary journey and although on a day to day basis it is easy to forget our dependence on the sun as the ultimate source of all our energy it is interesting how in so many cultures, fireworks are used to celebrate new beginnings.
We didn't start the fire |
Coaching shines light on topics that clients are wrangling with and going forward, we plan to share more regularly with friends of Bamboo Being some of the themes that become illuminated in coaching in the hope that it might be of service. It’s been a dark year for many of our friends and if you are struggling as we come to the end of this turn around the sun, please know that you are not alone.
There is so much in the world to worry about. But, as pundits of the beautiful game would put it: there’s still so much to play for.
So as this year comes to an end and the next emerges, we wish you love and light and hope to see you in 2025.
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