Hindus recently celebrated Diwali and the New Year, while for Christians, Christmas is drawing near.

These festivals are religious and social occasions but they also represent the worship of positive energy - the victory of truth over evil, of love over hatred and compassion over complacency.

Diwali represents the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after a long exile of 14 years in the wilderness with his consort Sita and his younger brother Laxman.

He returns having finally defeated and killed the arrogant king who was terrorizing the world with his powers. Christmas represents the victory and sacrifice of love.

The Ramayan and the Bible both take us through various social and personal problems that can face us in our lives.

They give directions as to how we can best face these problems, solve them and enjoy a happier existence by taking refuge in and support from an all powerful creator whose spirit is constantly with us.

At Diwali, we light lamps - just as we light candles at Christmas - symbolising the positive energy of the light of awareness and knowledge of the truth and goodness in mankind.

It reminds us the light of awareness is constantly shining at the third eye, the inner eye, if we care to access it and pay attention to it.

For example, when we are engrossed in pursuit of knowledge or an exciting project, have you noticed how all our attention is focused in the forehead?

We tend to close our eyes and focus in the forehead to find answers to our problems?

Diwali or Christmas prompts us to clean our houses and rid them of clutter.

The message is: Have we cleared up the clutter of negative thoughts and emotions from this temple of the living God - the human body?

It is not a bad idea to celebrate Diwali or Christmas for half an hour every day in order to tidy up our own mind.

Assess your energies. Ask yourself: "How are you feeling today?"

Make a list of things that energise you and those that drain you. Look at the balance sheet of energy - the profit of love and happiness in your heart and the loss of negative thoughts and emotions.

Are you constantly running, chasing your tail? Or are you able sit back and relax and enjoy some of those herbs you have grown in your garden or your kitchen pots?

The rituals of singing songs of praise or dancing in the name of the Lord generates positive frame of mind which can generate and revive your confidence in what ever you are doing.

Just forgetting your worries and the world for a while and submerging yourself in a spiritual joy which you can genuinely feel in your heart, surely must offer some benefit.

As I wish all Hindus a happy Diwali and New Year, my wishes go out to all mankind to light the lamp of positive energy in their own hearts, whoever and where ever they are.

Dr Milind Jani works as a conventional and holistic GP and Dr Asmita Jani as Ayurvedic Consultant from 3 Eaton Gardens, Hove. Call them on: 01273 777448 or email: milind.jani@ntlworld.com