Navaratri - The Journey Within : Awakening Creativity and Positive Thinking


On the fourth day of Navaratri, we honor Maa Kushmanda, the goddess credited with creating the universe through her radiant smile. Her name itself reveals her essence: Ku (little), Ushma (warmth or energy), and Anda (cosmic egg). She is said to have brought light into the cosmos, transforming darkness into creation.

In a Cultural aspect, Kushmanda is seen as the embodiment of creative energy, vitality, and joy. She holds a rosary and a pot of nectar, symbols of wisdom and nourishment, while her eight hands carry weapons and lotus flowers. Radiant and nurturing, she reminds us that positivity and creativity are not just luxuries they are life forces.

In psychology, this day aligns with the power of creative expression and positive thinking, two elements that play a crucial role in mental health, resilience, and growth.

Creativity as Healing

Creativity isn’t limited to artists or writers, it exists in everyone. It is the act of making, imagining, or expressing, whether through painting, cooking, gardening, storytelling, or problem-solving. Psychological research suggests that creative activities stimulate dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, reducing stress and lifting mood.

Art therapy, for instance, is widely used to help individuals process trauma and anxiety through painting, writing, or movement. Just as Kushmanda created the universe from nothingness, creativity allows us to create meaning from chaos. Creativity is not about perfection, it is about expression and release. A simple doodle, a few journal lines, or humming a tune can shift the emotional state, bringing light where there was heaviness.

The Psychology of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is often misunderstood as blind optimism or ignoring life’s struggles. In truth, it is about shaping our mindset to focus on solutions, hope, and gratitude, even when challenges arise.

Psychologist Martin Seligman, known as the father of Positive Psychology, highlighted that cultivating optimism can improve not only mental well-being but also physical health, relationships, and resilience. Like Kushmanda’s radiant smile, positivity has the power to shift atmospheres. It does not deny darkness, it simply chooses to bring light into it.

Symbolism of Kushmanda

  • Her Radiant Smile: A reminder that even small acts of joy can create worlds of difference.

  • The Cosmic Egg (Anda): Symbolizes new beginnings and infinite creative potential within us.

  • Lotus Flowers: Growth from the mud, symbolic of creativity and positivity arising even in adversity.

  • Weapons in Hand: Balance between nurturing creativity and protecting it from negativity.

Her image teaches us that creativity and positivity are not passive; they require strength, intention, and practice.

Practical Ways to Embrace Kushmanda’s Energy

  1. Daily Creative Ritual: Spend 15 minutes creating something like sketch, cook, write, or dance. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

  2. Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Over time, this rewires the brain to notice positives more naturally.

  3. Reframe Negativity: When faced with a problem, ask: What is one thing I can learn from this? or What is one step forward?

  4. Surround with Light: Engage with uplifting music, books, or people that fuel positivity.

  5. Smile Meditation: Like Maa Kushmanda, practice smiling intentionally even to yourself in the mirror. It may feel small, but research shows smiling itself can elevate mood.

Cultural Wisdom Meets Psychology

On Day 4, as lamps are illuminated in honor of Kushmanda, her radiant glow reminds us that true creation starts from within. Like her warmth that brought the universe into existence, we can cultivate moments of hope and beauty in our everyday lives. Scientific research affirms that positivity and creativity are powerful, practical resources helping us build resilience, reduce stress, and embrace a joyful, meaningful life.

Closing Reflection

Kushmanda whispers that even in the darkest moments, a smile, a spark of creativity, or a gentle thought can become the seed of new beginnings. So today, ask yourself: Where can I bring light into my life? What small act of creation or positive thought can shift my day?

Like Maa Kushmanda, may we nurture the creative fire within us, radiate positivity around us, and remind ourselves that even the smallest spark can illuminate an entire universe.

Written By : L. Padma Swathy

Counselling Psychologist, Chennai

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