Carrying The Light

Photo by Ben Garcia

A blur of children, some holding colorful jars aglow with flame, race along the curving, candlelit path of a labyrinth. In the darkness, they navigate this galaxy in the grass, playful and giddy. I walk a slower pace, yielding to their exuberance when I encounter them. Unstoppable, they pass, driven toward the center of the labyrinth. The offerings of light cupped in their hands softly illumine their faces, deepening the mystery and magic of this night.

On March 25th, people of all ages gathered at a local museum to celebrate Earth Hour. This annual, worldwide event acknowledges the reality of climate change and promotes a commitment to the planet through sustainable ways of living and being. Our local event included an array of educational opportunities and hands-on activities. Recycling and reuse were highlighted in creative ways. For example, master gardeners helped kids plant seeds in recycled newspaper pots, and fashionable clothing made out of trash was on display.

There were demonstrations of wind and solar energy as well as alternative forms of transportation, such as bicycles and electric cars. For those interested in exploring the night sky, a telescope was set up to look at stars. Children made posters illustrating ways that people can help the planet, and baby food jars were repurposed through decoupage and used as candle holders.

Photo by Pauline Schafer

Musicians performed while grownups tasted organically produced local wines and kids snacked on fresh fruit, popcorn, and juice. Lights went out for the final hour of the event and a night hike outside commenced. A drum circle formed around a fire pit, and marshmallows were roasted for s’mores.

Throughout the 3.5 hour event, young and old alike walked the 7-circuit labyrinth on the grass. At dusk, candles—LED tea lights—illuminated the path. Later, when all was dark, they twinkled brightly in the night. Witnessing from a distance, I was struck by the vision of light dappled across the lawn like stars in the sky.

Photo by Ben Garcia

Children walking the labyrinth were like comets on a journey through the cosmos. They zoomed along with energy and purpose that only a child can fully embody. They walked, and often ran, this winding ancient path, this representation of creation and symbol of Mother Earth. Carrying light in the palms of their hands, they were a metaphor for the future.

For all that is,