Yesterday, I left the house yesterday at 4:00 p.m. to meet a friend at a bookstore cafe, my partner said, “Text me when you’re on your way home.” Those words, which are code for I care about you and I want you to come home safely, are always spoken with warmth and concern. And there is something particular about winter darkness that engenders a desire for togetherness in the safety of home. At this time of year in New Mexico, nightfall reminds us to come in from the cold to warm ourselves with friendship, family, and story.
Too many people around the globe are literally out in the cold, in the dark, or suffering. In the spirit of solidarity all those facing dark times, I want to share with you an annual tradition I keep as a reminder of our shared humanity. For me it is a timely antidote to holiday frenzy, winter depression, and global violence. When I light candles for several consecutive nights, I am reminded to slow down, breathe, and quiet my mind, so that I can open my heart and become a vessel for peace and love, in my home and in the world.
What matters most is not the religious origins, but the act of bringing light to the darkness and hope to others. If you do not already have your own tradition, consider trying some version of the one I offer to you, below. Make it your own.
Light a candle for the world
In my home, we celebrate for eight consecutive nights by using a candleholder with space for a center candle and four on either side, for a total of nine. Each night, I light the center candle first. Then I use it to light one other candle on the first night, two the second, and so on. Each lit candle reminds me of who I want to be in the world.
Whether by some miracle of creation or amazing collision of particles, we are alive on this earth together with things seen and unseen. We are able to create light, be light, and bring light into others’ lives. We come together, in person and in spirit, to celebrate and remember. And sometimes to read a poem.
“It’s ready now. Come on,” she said. / “You light the candle.” ~Donald Hall*
As the central candle lights the others without losing its own light, we also share the light of peace and create a community of light. Every candle lit from the center candle’s flame carries its own meaning worth meditating on while watching the flames breathe, flicker, and smolder before becoming wisps of smoke.
“A pale flickering. Gone.” ~Elizabeth Bishop*
On the first night, we meditate on the appearance of light at beginning of the cosmos when darkness scattered at the moment of radiance. Watch the flames and pray for light.
When you consider the radiance, that it does not withhold/ itself but pours its abundance without selection into every/ nook and cranny…. ~ A. R. Ammons*
On the second night, we meditate not only on the moment of radiance, but also on the light of learning and truth. Whether through sacred teachings passed down by elders, or knowledge and wisdom acquired through experience and study, our path is well lit. Watch the flames and pray for truth.
Yes, it’s true. Questions don’t change the truth. But they give it motion. ~ Giannina Braschi
Third is the light of justice. May every nation extend justice to all people. May each of us promote the cause of justice locally. Watch the flames and pray for justice.
That Justice is a blind goddess
Is a thing to which we black are wise:
Her bandage hides two festering sores
That once perhaps were eyes. ~Langston Hughes
Fourth is the light of mercy. Cruelty hardens the heart, destroys trust. Let us love with mercy and walk with humility. Watch the flames and pray for mercy.
The quality of mercy is not strained… / …we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. ~ William Shakespeare
Fifth is the light of holiness. All of life is sacred. May we honor the sacred through mindful thought and action. Watch the flames and pray for holiness.
There is a living hum that might be coming from my neurons but might just as well be coming from the furnace of the stars. ~ Barbara Brown Taylor*
Sixth is the light of love. Let us learn to love ourselves, so we can accept the love of others. And may we love others in a way that makes life beautiful. Watch the flames and pray for love.
So, friends, every day do something that does not compute…. / Love the world…. / Love someone who does not deserve it. ~ Wendell Berry*
Seventh is the calm light of patience, equanimity. There is a place for urgency and haste, but the spreading tree and the human soul grow slowly to perfection. Watch the flames and pray for patience.
I can stand for hours among the sweet narcissus, silent as a point of bone. I can wait longer than sadness. ~ Paisley Rekdall*
Eighth is the light of courage. Fear not. Be strong. Effect change. Watch the flames
and pray for those in fear. Pray for courage.
Joy—it’s not just a gift. In a sense, it’s also a duty, a task to fulfill. Courage. ~Anna Kamienska*
The collective glow on the final night reminds us of the power of community and rekindles our faith in humanity.
“We love life if we find a way to it.” ~Mahmoud Darwish*
Wishing you light, joy, and peace this season, from my home and heart to yours.
* Quoted from the collection Joy, edited by Christian Wiman
Which light will you be, this December?
In case anyone else is interested in purchasing one of my books, you can find them new via Amazon,
When East Was North (2012) and Rabbit Sun Lotus Moon (2017), both published in collaboration with Mercury HeartLink, Silver City, New Mexico. Rabbit Sun was a poetry finalist, Arizona/New Mexico Book Awards, the year it was published.
This is so beautiful, Andi. Thank you. I also just bought your two books of poetry and look forward to reading them.