In the midst of darkness, light persists

I have always felt that when we think about nature and positivity, the sight of a rainbow never fails to bring smiles to people’s faces. It signifies optimism and hope, symbolizing sunshine after the rain. A rainbow is made up of countless tiny raindrops, just as happy lives are built from countless small acts of kindness. This is a thought that resonates with everyone who sees a rainbow in the sky. However, when I recently saw the Northern Lights in Iceland, my perspective shifted. Watching those vibrant colors dancing across the sky, surrounded by shining stars, filled me with an incredible sense of awe and positivity. Scientifically, the colors of the Northern Lights result from electrons entering Earth’s atmosphere and colliding with gaseous particles. As humans, we often have an emotional response to darkness, feeling uneasy or foreboding when it appears in the sky or in our lives. But the Northern Lights reminded me that even in the darkest moments, something beautiful can emerge, just as these lights appear against the night sky. This experience filled me with profound gratitude and a renewed sense of optimism.

When I experienced the Northern Lights and felt their aura, I was inspired to look deeper into their meaning. I discovered that for people in Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Russia, the Northern Lights are believed to embody the spirits of their ancestors—similar to how we honor our ancestors during Shradh Paksh. For them, seeing the Northern Lights is a sign of good fortune, and they believe these lights have the power to protect and heal. What an incredible feeling! I felt amazed and deeply grateful, realizing that my journey in writing about positivity may have led me to this special moment with the Northern Lights. It’s as if this experience has given me even more strength to help and heal others. It has transformed my perspective on darkness, teaching me that in the midst of darkness, light persists. Nature has so many ways of revealing the deeper truths of life. Perhaps it’s time we step back from the endless race for scientific explanations and allow ourselves to truly understand the miracles that nature has to offer.

If you imagine, there is a divine light present in everything across the universe. Iceland, for example, is a land blanketed in ice, with mountains covered in snow. Yet, nature has also provided warmth through natural geysers scattered throughout the land, as if Iceland holds its own natural heaters. However, due to global warming and the surge of scientific advancements, the ice has started to melt. In the past nine years alone, over half of the mountain ice has disappeared. The locals say that before tourism, they didn’t have suitable footwear to walk on the ice, nor the thriving tourism they do now. While they appreciate the benefits of modern amenities and tourism, they feel disheartened seeing the rapid melting of the ice—a treasured part of their homeland.

I observed how in Africa, people work tirelessly to preserve wildlife and ensure animal instincts endure. Similarly, in Iceland, people are dedicated to preserving the beauty of the ice. They understand that as long as the ice remains, the streams and waterfalls will flow with pure, clear water, and they will continue to breathe clean air. With a smaller population, they actively control pollution, believing that by doing so, their ancestors will keep blessing them through the Northern Lights and that good fortune will stay with them. We even noticed cleanliness efforts along the roads, with no litter scattered anywhere, as everyone contributes to keeping the environment pristine. It made me realize that to uphold cultural values and bring light into darkness, each citizen must work hard. When everyone takes responsibility, nature and culture thrive in harmony.

Another remarkable observation in Iceland is how water flows from the icy mountains with incredible force, traveling long distances to meet the ocean. Many places along the shore have dark, black sand formed by ancient lava flows, yet the water remains clear and pure, even as it reaches the dark shores. This contrast—the dark sand against the bright, cold water—felt symbolic to me, as if light emerges in the midst of darkness. The naturally occurring geysers also erupt every few minutes, not only providing a spectacle for visitors (on the lighter side) but genuinely offering warmth in the extreme cold. It shows how, if we look closely, we can see that nature continually offers light, comfort, and hope, even in the harshest conditions. There’s always light in the midst of darkness if we choose to see it.

At this juncture, I find myself reflecting on the cultural values deeply embedded within us as Indians. Lord Krishna, whom we revere as the creator of the universe, is often depicted with darker skin yet surrounded by an infinite, radiant aura. Alongside him is Radha, a symbol of light. Together, they represent an eternal presence that embodies a beautiful balance of darkness and profound light. Similarly, Lord Ganesha, with the head of an elephant, symbolizes wisdom and auspiciousness. Our goddesses, though elegant and graceful, are powerful figures, defeating forces of darkness that threaten the universe. These divine representations remind us of the beauty in contrasts—darkness paired with light, strength alongside grace. Our cultural symbols and values hold a timeless wisdom. By preserving and honoring them, we not only stay connected to our roots but also contribute to the greater harmony and beauty of the universe.

When I think about working with deaf children and individuals with hearing difficulties who face immense challenges in communication, I see how technology has become a light in their lives. It has transformed their world, enabling them to live more independently and connect with others in ways that were once unimaginable. Technology has indeed brought people closer globally, allowing us to reach, explore, and understand each other more quickly than ever before. However, while technology is a powerful light in our lives, it’s essential that we don’t lose sight of our cultural values, emotions, and humanity. We are not robots—we are human beings, meant to cherish both the wonders of nature and the advancements of science. This journey has reminded me of the need for balance, allowing us to enjoy both technology and the natural beauty around us while staying grounded in our values.

I recently read that the universe's heating is decreasing, and after witnessing the vibrant Northern Lights and understanding their deeper meaning, I truly feel it’s time to let positivity flow. I also learned that Earth is gaining less heat than it has in recent years—a change that, in part, stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have started to appreciate life and nature more deeply. A shift toward a positive approach is essential, and if each of us makes an effort, real change is possible. Positivity is the light that breaks through the darkness in everyone’s life. Change may feel challenging at first, messy in the middle, but ultimately, it’s beautiful in the end. I’m doing my best to embrace it and feel its impact. What about you all?