Every year about this time I find myself longing for the light: the light of longer days; the light of giving spirits; the light of human compassion; the light of new beginnings; the light of Divine Love.
This year the longing feels profound in the wake of the darkness of violence and unspeakable loss. Our collective sorrow as parents, communities and Americans is palpable. It is being felt in every part of the world through social media, newscasts and the knowing nods from one parent to another.
As I read and listen to our global conversation, the pull to give into fear and despair is apparent, and this is of great concern to me. I am reminded of the words, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” By nature, fear is restrictive, reactive and sometimes paralyzing. As a professional that specializes in creating change, I know that moving people out of fear is often a necessary first step.
This doesn’t mean that fear does not serve a purpose. Fear is an important gift at times. It alerts us, energizes us and can propel us away from danger. But once we are alert, energized and have a direction, its usefulness is exhausted. If we remain in fear our efforts to create change will be thwarted. And I believe we all agree that change is desperately needed in our world.
Seeing the Light
One of the best ways to avoid being consumed by fear is to not allow it to shrink our field of vision. It is easy to allow our consciousness to be so inundated by the darkness that it is all we see. Contrary to the media reports, this is a distortion of our experience. It is simply not the whole picture.
There is much light in the world if we are conscious of it. Every day people do good things for one another. Every day there are acts of giving, compassion, forgiveness and love. Watch for them; listen for them; participate in them. If you need an infusion of the lighter side of humanity check out any of these online sources:
www.huffingtonpost.com/good-news/
Being the Light
More than anything, when the darkness feels overwhelming it is a reminder of how crucial it is for each of us to “be the light.” Especially during this holiday season, there are many opportunities to be the light in someone’s life. And we don’t have to think or go far from home. It may be forgiveness needed within your own family; a neighbor that is all alone or a family that has fallen on hard times. Every act of light done with intention changes us and the other – no matter how small.
May you find the light within you and “let it shine, let it shine….let it shine!”