Inspiring Lessons from Navratri.

Ponderings by Anupama 

Series: Inspiring Lessons from Spirituality - IL-1.0

Overall Navratri Festivities 

Sarva Mangal Mangalye Shive Sarvatha Sadhike Sharanye Trambake Gauri Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute. Om Shanti Shanti Shantih.

Navratri, a magical time of year when the air is alive with anticipation and excitement of the joy of festivity.  As the festival approaches, the atmosphere is electric with the energy of celebration. The sounds of laughter, song, music, and dance fill the air, and the scent of devotion wafts gently on the breeze.

Navratri is a time to pay homage and celebrate the divine feminine, and the feeling is profoundly celestial, truly heavenly. It is a time to honour the qualities of compassion, empathy, creativity, and nurturing that exist within each of us, transcending gender boundaries.

This festive season also serves as a moment of contemplation on the significance of balance and harmony in our lives. The masculine and feminine energies are complementary, and we need both in order to be whole. Navratri encourages us to embrace our feminine aspects and to cultivate the qualities that are associated with it.

Through the worship of Goddess Durga, the epitome of power, strength, and wisdom; Navratri signifies new   beginnings, for letting go of the old and embracing the new.

A time to rejuvenate, renew and reaffirm our commitment to our existential qualities.   Valuable life lessons that leave a lasting learning for each one of us. 9 lessons for us as we kick off these celebrations –

• From the diversity of leadership of the Goddess – 9 days 9 avatars; infact over the next 9 days, we will unveil learnings from the manifestation of each of the Goddess and leadership lessons for each one of us.
• To resilience and perseverance: As a celebration of the goddess's victory over various demons, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil; signifying the importance of resilience and perseverance in leadership. Leaders often face obstacles and challenges, and Navratri serves as a reminder that determination and the ability to endure are key to overcoming adversity.
• Balanced Leadership: The goddess Durga is often depicted riding a lion, symbolizing the balance of power and control. Leadership involves wielding authority and making tough decisions, but it must be balanced with compassion, empathy, and fairness. Navratri encourages leaders to maintain a harmonious equilibrium in their leadership approach.
• Empowerment: Navratri celebrates the feminine divine, highlighting the importance of empowering women in leadership roles. It underscores that leadership should be inclusive and that everyone, regardless of gender, should have equal opportunities to lead and contribute.
• Strategic Planning: The festival lasts for nine nights, each with its own significance. It requires meticulous planning and organization. Leaders can learn the value of strategic planning and execution from the way Navratri is celebrated, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and achieving them systematically.
• Unity and Teamwork: Navratri is a communal celebration, often involving group dances and gatherings. It promotes a sense of community and unity. Leaders can learn the significance of fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among their teams.
• Continuous Self-Improvement: Navratri encourages individuals to strive for self-improvement and personal growth. Leaders should similarly commit to continuous learning and self-improvement to be effective in their roles.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Navratri also highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating cultural diversity. Leaders can draw lessons about the significance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in today's globalized world.
• Celebration and Gratitude: reminds leaders to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of their teams, fostering a positive work culture and motivation among employees. Expressing and acknowledging, being together to have fun !

 Through our leadership, lets exemplify the principles symbolized by the festivities of Navratri: compassion, empathy, creativity, nurturing, power, strength, and wisdom.   Take time to reflect, connect and strengthen our commitment to these principles and to the leader within each of us.

Over the next 9 days, look forward for our sharing on the learnings from the 9 avatars of Goddess Durga… it’s a humble attempt to  touch your lives and make a difference through these festivities.