Gandhi and Groundhog Day
February 2, 2024
A search of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi finds no mention of the word ‘groundhog’ — I think it’s safe to assume he’d never heard of the practice of “a large rodent predicting the weather.” But I can think of a few reasons why he’d appreciate the holiday.
First, Groundhog Day is a celebration of optimism. There’s no question of if spring will start, there’s only a question of when winter will end.
Second, it’s not about over-consuming. Groundhog Day doesn’t require a belt-loosening feast, and it also isn’t rooted in drinking alcohol. (St. Patrick’s Day, we’re looking at you.) Participants may opt to do so on their own, but public consumption isn’t part of it.
Third, the 1993 Bill Murray movie. As he repeats the same day, Phil (Murray) experiments with his life. He discovers that while extravagant indulgences are available to him, it’s not a life that satisfies him. What brings him satisfaction is a simple life of improving himself and serving others. Gandhi followed a similar path.
It also concludes the annual 3-day fast (Jan 30-Feb 2) to commemorate Gandhi’s life and lessons. I have observed this regularly the last six years, but wasn’t feeling well this week, and broke it after 24 hours. (I updated my 2024 calendar accordingly.)
The next 30-day Gandhi challenge starts February 15: I’ll try to get a sign-up link up for the next post.
If you had the opportunity to live one day over and over and over again, would you take it?