Let there be light....

but not too much

I wonder if we under-estimate the power of light. Something that is taken for granted as we both need and expect it every day. I am even sure that there are professionals in the interior design industry who specialize in light and how it can create the right ambiance. If I was designing and building a new house I would definitely seek out their help as light, and the right kind of light at home is so important to me.

From this image here you will probably already realise that I am a fan of low light. I wonder if that is something you share…

I really don’t like harsh lights. Cozy lights, dimmed lights, candle light whatever kind of low lights are always my preference at any time of day but especially during winter months.

I am slowly replacing all the bulbs in our house to low energy bulbs but also ones that have a much gentler glow.

I can hardly wait for the lights where I shower to be replaced. Quite simply they are too bright and especially harsh as an early morning introduction to the day. I wake to a dimmed low light which suits my mood perfectly. Then when I am ready for a shower I rely on the light outside the room to shower. I figure I know where my head is, I can see the bottle I need and I have my eyes closed for most of it anyway, I really don’t need a light on. It is an unusual choice in our house…..and maybe yours too.

Then when brushing my teeth I have enough light to see the toothbrush and paste in semi-darkness.

The phrase “ shining light on a situation” reveals the inherent need to know something, learn something and often something new. The proliferation of news and information that is literally at our finger tips is part of our lifestyle - it really is the norm. However is this access to information good for our mental health and well-being?

I’d love to hear how light fits into your daily routine, does it really make that much of a difference? Is this the first time you have thought about light like this?

Before then please read and consider the reflection questions for you and others.

Reflection

Discussion and reflection helps everyone develop beliefs and values, and promotes the virtues of respect and empathy, which are important in our diverse society. It fosters civilized debate and reasoned argument, and helps us all to understand the place of diversity and belief in the modern world.

Social - How can the right kind of lighting help or hinder conversation?

Moral - Is it your responsibility to ‘shine light’ inform others of something they don't know… is education of others up to you… or professionals … or more than one person.

What are your own experiences with the ‘information available at your finger tips culture;?

Spiritual - Light in a variety of cultures and traditions represent goodness and positivity? What represents goodness to you? Is it light or something else?

Cultural - The winter solstice occurs on the shortest day, when the sun at noon is at its lowest point above the horizon. After this day the sun starts to climb higher again - the solstice is the mid-point of winter. This is especially noticeable at higher latitudes where the angle of the sun is higher. In the Northern Hemisphere the winter solstice occurs around the 21-22 December, and in the Southern Hemisphere it occurs around the 20-21 June. Before light was available at the flick of a switch this time of year was pretty dark. But now the wine and beer you made earlier in the year would be ready for drinking, and you may as well kill your cattle as you'll have no food left for them during the winter.

That sounds like a good excuse for a feast. Bring on some fire to warm things up and you have the perfect recipe for a party! Add to that a desire to show your appreciation (or humble yourself) to the God (or the Sun) who controls the seasons and you’ll end up with a serious light or fire festival. The winter solstice marks a turning point in the year – you’ve reached the year’s darkest day, and it can only get lighter. As the sunlight comes back, so things come to life again, so as well as lighting the darkness with your festival you are heralding the rebirth of another year.

What can or do you do to embrace the season we are in?

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