LIGHT
BETTER
September 7, 2020
GREATNESS
February 5, 2021
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
Roy T. Bennett, “The Light in the Heart”
“Enlightenment means “In Light in Mind” – it’s the manifestation of the light that’s already within you.”
Abhijit Naskar, “Monk Meets World”
Light. We can better see the possibilities when there is light. With options and possibilities, we are better able to make more informed choices. When we allow ourselves to be still for a moment to think, to reflect, to ponder, we can make better decisions. With the light within us we can spread light to others. That bright smile, that listening ear, or that warm heart can shed light for others to see possibilities that might otherwise be hidden or covered. The light you shine can reveal the beauty of life that awaits you and those you touch.
It’s light I seek to keep unconstructive thoughts at bay. It can be easier sometimes more than others. I suppose, that’s part of being human and it takes a committed practice to choose to see and be the light. And why is it so challenging? I suspect we look to what can go wrong based on past experience or maybe subconsciously believe we are undeserving of all the goodness that awaits us. That said, it’s equally true that when we look for what we truly want to go right, with no doubts, it inevitably goes as expected. With light or a positive point of view, even when things go astray, we find there is a lesson to be learned and something better is revealed to our delight. When we believe, trust, and commit to actions that feed our desires the possibilities are limitless.
There is no doubt this past year has revealed to most anyone choosing to see that which has been living in plain sight. Prejudice. Injustice. Fear. Inequality. Bigotry. Hatred. Illiteracy. Hope. Kindness. Goodness. Determination. Courage. Fearlessness. Grace. Mercy. Love. And yet, what we choose as our compass sets the course for what becomes undesirable or desirable outcomes.
“A highly developed value system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost.”
Idowu Koyenikan, “Wealth for All”
How is your compass guiding you? As we step into this new year, what can you do to set the best course… for you and others? I contend it starts with each of us as individuals. Truth is we only control our thoughts, our emotions, our values, our intentions, our attitudes, our responses, our actions. We may not control all the causes of what happens. However, we do own the effect, how we accept (or not) and how we respond. With light, we are able to make better choices. With intentional conscious awareness may we each choose wisely.
As we close one chapter and look to a new one, in this moment, may we choose to see and be the light for ourselves and for others. Here are some ideas to consider.
Loving, Learning, Living, Laughter.
“We are learning, incrementally, how to be who we are and to create what we imagine.”
Jesse Jennings, “A Snow Globe Speaks”
“You’ve got to have ideas in your mind fueled by conviction in your heart.”
Bryan Stevenson, American Attorney and Author ‘Just Mercy: A Story of Injustice and Redemption’”
Greatness, Goodness, Gratitude, Grace.
Mary Davis
Healthy, Hope, Healing, Happy, Here.
“The world is not here to make you happy. The world is here to wake you up.”
Eckhart Tolle, “Awakening in the Now”
Tenacious, Tender, Touching, Tough.
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from the past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise
Maya Angelou, American Poet (excerpt from ‘Still I Rise’)
Words are only words. Thoughts are only thoughts. Ideas are only ideas. It’s not until we attach emotion and action, do these take on meaning and impact. My wish for you as we enter into the new year is that you embrace your gifts in each moment of each day with light and fearless determination. You deserve to live your greatness day every day.
May love, joy and peace fill your heart as the year ahead reveals the beauty you choose to see and experience.
