A Different Kind of Songkran
Nothing is coincidence if we examine the laws of nature. Everything is born out of something, as we are all interconnected.
The Great Imbalance
From where Thailand stands, a few big moments are converging at once — the weight of the worst water drought in 40 years coupled with the pandemic of Corona that we all know too well. Not to mention, Thai New Year (known as Songkran) is upon us, which has over time evolved into an outward celebration featuring the famous “water wars.” In this moment in time, however, there is no water to be found.
So what are the forces of nature revealing to us? With eco-consciousness as our North Star, this is the place where all our questions begin.
Systemically, we are in a state of imbalance with nature. Coronavirus was a symptom of our latest act of overstepping into the animal kingdom and contracting a foreign virus. Now this latest drought is showing us more of the same — a symptom of our latest episode of climate change perpetuation. The Climate Change Reality Project breaks it down so clearly and vividly:
“As more greenhouse gas emissions are released into the air, causing air temperatures to increase, more moisture evaporates from land and lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Warmer temperatures also increase evaporation in plant soils, which affects plant life and can reduce rainfall even more. And when rainfall does come to drought-stricken areas, the drier soils it hits are less able to absorb the water, increasing the likelihood of flooding – a lose-lose situation.” (source)
In every region of the world, the top climate change concern points to the same consensus — drought and water shortage. The effects are already widespread and devastating, projected to cost the country 46 billion baht in 2020. This also brings forth the deeper issue of who bears the heaviest brunt — in this case, the farmers and local people who have less of a political voice in the conversation around water distribution and access. (source)
A Calling to Conserve Water
The onset of both the worst drought and pandemic in the last 40 years could not come at a more symbolic time with Songkran here as well.
Photo: Daily Travel Photos
Traditionally, this holiday was a celebration of and for the farmers, as this was the most popular profession in the past. At this time of the year, farmers took their well-deserved break from the rice fields and turned this moment into a full-fledged celebration. Elders were also the stars of this show, with rituals designed specifically to honor them. Translated as “move” or “change place,” in accordance with the sun’s movement along the Zodiac, this holiday is also a time to renew and purify the past for a prosperous future. For this reason, Songkran is also synonymous with “Water Festival” — water, being the symbolic tool for celebration. As a way to show respect to elders, young Thais traditionally pour scented water over the palms of their hands. In return, elders wish the young ones good luck and prosperity.
This water-inspired ritual is in good company. When we look at spiritual traditions across the globe in times of renewal, healing and rebirth, we see water coming to the forefront of experience. A breathtaking photo exhibit from 2010 called “Water: Our Thirsty World” showcased this breadth of water ceremony beautifully. Spiritual seekers of all stripes across East and West coming together in a similar sentiment:
~ In Japan, spiritual seekers bathe in the sacred waterfall inside a Shinto shrine to wash away the impurities and commune around the creative universal life force. ~ In Bali, devotees enter the sacred spring at the famous Pura Tirta Empul temple, which is said to bring healing properties to those who visit on the full moon in April. ~ In India, pilgrims descend on the banks of Varanasi driven by the belief that Mother Ganga purifies everything she touches. On weddings, guests receive gifts of Ganga water sealed in copper containers, to be slipped into their daily bath. ~ In Islamic countries, men and women gather in gender-separate steam baths to call in purification as laid out in their spiritual teacher’s guidance -- "cleanliness is half of faith," said Mohammad.~ In Catholic cultures of the West, Baptism is the first rite of passage that involves dipping babies in pools of water. A spiritual rebirth takes place.
Like with most spiritual traditions that began with simple ritual, Songkran eventually took cues from the demands of Western culture and turned into a full on “water war,” a spirited gathering where locals and tourists of all ages splash water on one another to engage in this modern gesture of purification.
And in this particularly unusual moment, we are called to the exact opposite. In place of social gathering, we are called to isolation. In place of splashing water, we are called to conserve precious resources in a time of unprecedented drought. Is this casual coincidence or perfectly timed choreography?
An Ocean Salutation for Songkran
This much is certain. This is our moment to redefine our relationship with the celebration of Songkran. The major element of Songkran is water, the universal symbol of purification and renewal. In the absence of a major gathering this April (as the festival has been postponed to this summer to stunt the spread of this virus), we can turn to the inner experience of Songkran — renewal from the inside out. Keep in mind that you don’t have to subscribe to any religion or spiritual group to experience the cleansing benefits of a water-based ritual.
What may you renew deeply right now to set up a bright future for you and the collective?
Take a few moments to let this reflection sink in. Listen for your unique response. Just like the Thais set their birds free on this auspicious day, unlock your caged callings and spread them far and wide.
Embody the farmer and harvest your spirited intentions.
Embody the water and wash away the qualities that no longer serve you.
Think of all your loved ones around you and radiate this renewal ritual for them, and for those who are less fortunate.
For inspiration, here’s an easy and powerful ritual we’ve called “Ocean Salutation,” a slight twist on the traditional Sun Salutation (basically half of this flow sequence if you’re already familiar). This can be practiced near your favorite body of water if available to you. If not, here’s a little water white noise to get you in the mood.
Ocean Salutation:
Inhale to sweep your arms up and back as you affirm “I open to life”
Exhale and fold forward into Uttanasana to affirm “I ground into the present”
Inhale to bring your hands to the ground as you lift into a flat back, affirming “I follow my heart”
Exhale as you fold forward once again, affirming “I trust in the flow of life”
Inhale to come back to standing with hands at heart’s center as you close with “I open to life”
If you’re feeling grateful for all the abundance already within, you are in good company my friend. Keep shining your light for a brighter future for us all <3.
