Hello and welcome.
I am Jerry.
I am a certified mindfulness teacher and the founder of Nishrayasa,
A holistic wellness studio based in Fort Kochi,
Kerala.
As we move toward the festival of Holi,
The celebration of color,
Renewal and joy,
There is also a quieter moment that comes just before it.
A night of fire.
In many parts of India,
People gather around a sacred bonfire known as Holika Dahan.
It symbolizes the burning away of negativity,
Illusion and old patterns,
Making space for truth and light.
Today,
We honor that inner fire.
This is a gentle space for reflection and release.
You may want a journal and a pen nearby.
Find a comfortable seated position.
Take a slow breath in and a long,
Steady breath out.
Again,
Inhale and exhale,
Softening your shoulders,
Your jaw,
Your belly.
Allow yourself to fully arrive in this moment.
In the traditional story behind Holika Dahan,
The fire represents the triumph of sincerity and inner truth over ego and fear.
But beyond the story,
The symbolism is universal.
Fire transforms.
It does not cling.
It changes one form into another.
Tonight,
We invite that same energy within ourselves.
Not to judge what we have carried,
But to gently release what is no longer needed.
Take a slow,
Deep breath in and turn your attention inward.
And before we begin the reflections,
Take a moment to reach for your journal.
This part of the practice is an invitation to gently put your inner thoughts into paper.
There is no need to write perfectly,
No need to make it sound wise or spiritual.
This is simply for you.
If writing doesn't feel accessible right now,
You may also reflect silently in your mind.
Let this be a space of honesty and kindness.
Take one steady breath in and as you exhale,
Allow yourself to be open to what wants to surface.
With honesty and kindness towards yourself,
Ask,
What pattern,
Thought,
Emotion or habit am I ready to let go of?
It may be something heavy or something subtle,
Perhaps a fear,
A resentment,
Self-doubt or an outdated version of yourself.
There is no right answer.
You may begin writing and allow your words to flow without editing or analyzing.
When you feel complete,
Gently put your pen down and take a slow breath in and exhale fully.
Now ask yourself,
How has holding on to this impacted my life?
How has it influenced my relationships,
My sense of peace,
My energy,
My growth?
And again,
Write with compassion,
Not criticism,
Simply noticing.
When you're ready again,
Gently put your pen down and take a deep inhale and exhale through the mouth,
Releasing all the tension.
Now gently reflect,
If this were no longer part of my story,
Who would I be?
How would I feel?
How would I move through my days?
What might become possible?
Write in present tense if you can,
I am or I feel or I allow.
When you finish,
Place your journal aside.
Now gently close your eyes as we begin a guided meditation.
Imagine yourself seated safely before a calm,
Steady fire.
This fire represents awareness,
Transformation and clarity.
Now in your hands,
Imagine holding the pattern or energy you are ready to release.
See it gently resting there in your hands.
Take a slow breath in and as you exhale,
Offer it into the fire.
Now,
Watch it soften,
Change,
Dissolve.
There is no struggle,
Only transformation.
Allow yourself to simply witness this transformation.
Now notice the space that remains within you,
Lighter,
Clearer and more open.
Place one hand on your heart and silently repeat.
I release what no longer serves me.
I trust the process of renewal.
I welcome new beginnings.
Now imagine the fire gently fading into warm embers.
You do not need to rush into change.
Simply allow this inner clearing to settle.
Take three slow breaths.
Inhale and exhale.
Inhale and exhale.
Inhale and exhale.
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes and when you are ready,
Slowly open your eyes.
As Holi celebrates color and joy,
May this quiet inner ritual support your renewal.
May what is false fall away gently.
May what is true remain.
Thank you for practicing with me.
Wishing you clarity,
Lightness and new beginnings.
