Life is full of cycles—ups and downs, highs and lows, light and dark. These cycles aren’t just abstract concepts; we see them reflected every month in the phases of the moon. Shukla Paksha, the waxing or Bright Moon, fills the night sky with increasing light, while Krishna Paksha, the waning or Dark Moon, takes it away. Many of us see these phases only as astronomical events, but they carry a deeper message: every bright phase is temporary, just as every dark one is, too. Life, in its beauty and mystery, is a constant rhythm of change.

But what does this mean for us on a human level? It’s a powerful reminder that every “dark moment” we face is naturally followed by a “bright moment”—a chance to start fresh, rise again, or build anew. Yet, it also teaches us that waiting for brightness to arrive on its own can limit our potential. Instead, we can create our own light in times of darkness.

This principle lies at the heart of Diwali, the festival of lights. Celebrated on one of the darkest nights of the year, Diwali is a collective reminder that we don’t have to wait for light to find us. Through simple lamps, through the glow of candles, and through celebrations, we generate our own brightness even when the world around us is cloaked in darkness. In this way, Diwali urges us to take action in moments that feel bleak or uncertain. By lighting lamps in our lives—our own strengths, knowledge, and wisdom—we can transform any situation, no matter how challenging, into an opportunity for growth and positive change.

Imagine a student facing difficult exams or a young professional grappling with career uncertainties. In such moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to wait for things to “get better” or for some external help to light the way. But what if, instead, we embraced the lesson of Diwali? Instead of waiting, we could find our own strengths—reviewing what we’ve learned, planning our next steps, or seeking guidance and mentorship. Lighting the inner lamps of knowledge and action, even in small ways, builds resilience and creates our own “bright moments” in what might feel like a dark phase.

The spiritual essence of Diwali, then, goes beyond traditional celebrations. It’s about harnessing our ability to bring light where there’s none. It shows us that transformation doesn’t require a perfect moment; it requires us to be proactive and resilient to cultivate the light within, regardless of external circumstances.

The same wisdom applies to every one of us, regardless of where we are in life. Whether facing academic pressures, career challenges, or personal struggles, we don’t have to wait for solutions to arrive passively. Instead, we find the way forward by kindling the “lamps” of hard work, creativity, and perseverance.

So, this Diwali, let’s remember that while life’s phases will always shift between light and dark, we have the power to illuminate our own path. Instead of waiting for the bright moon, let’s celebrate our ability to light up the darkest times ourselves. When we take charge of creating our own light, we not only transform our own lives but also inspire others to do the same.

Embrace this journey of turning challenges into opportunities. By lighting your own path, you become your own source of strength, giving yourself—and others—the Human Edge.

Sanjay Kalla Founder - Adhigaman SHALA | Coach| Leadership Awareness Architect | Humanistic Ability Enhancer | Author | Advocate for Emotional Resilience and Human Well-Being |