We have a precious gift.
Inside us a spiritual beacon illuminates our pathway. Recall that as we gaze upon a newborn baby, we are witness to the babe’s dazzling holy light. This sight of a freshly-minted human magically transports us back to our original Light Source. Our hearts resonate with the newborn’s luminous energy. We naturally and innocently plug-in to its Divinity – which we’ve long since forgotten.
As we grow up and spend more time in our earthly body, our egos expand. Egos thrive by directing our thought, feelings, and behaviors. The self-centered ego drains our Light. It usurps us of powerful wattage. We grow up – at some point feeling lost – and begin a search for the spiritual beacon implanted in our souls. We yearn to see this glow in others to better remind us of our own unique and innate luminescence.
As adults, moments arise that remind us to tune into our light. Unfortunately, the pattern is to eventually turn away. Painfully, our struggles, pain and addictions matter more than our our chance to show up and shine our light. When the light can’t be seen, we convince ourselves it is gone for good. When the light shows up and fades away, we convince ourselves it never belonged to us in the first place.
How do we cultivate a life of light?
Imagine your light.
Imagination is our seat of power. When we shut our physical eyes to the world, we open our inner eyes or “imagination” to the Divine. Here we are able to mindfully call in energies to bring our light forward. Follow this simple formula: Imagination + Intention = Shift (to lift us out of our shadows, illusions and wounds.) For example, when we imagine ourselves directing the Energy of Hope into the hopeless places inside us, we shift into light. (Read this article on the power of affirmations.)
See the light in others.
“See the light in others and treat them as if that’s all you see” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
Light is permanent and eternal. Every being possesses the same light, although unique to its Being. No one has more or less or different light. Nonetheless, it’s unique to each of us.
When we block anyone from shining their unique light, a part of our own light fades. Our light no longer shares their light space. We now stand in a place of ego where judgment, resentment and intolerance show up. However, if we choose to change the way we view others, (because in reality they share our same light), we can dispel fear and skepticism. Remember: Light presence invites the existence of possibilities and partnership.
Forgive.
True Story!
The only words Melinda wanted to hear from her deceased friend were, “I’m sorry.” As her friend – now deceased – uttered these words from the other side -the room filled with light. I placed my hands on Melinda’s heart and repeated the apology of her friend from the other side. Tears streamed down Melinda’s face. In this quiet and sacred moment, I asked her if she would forgive her friend. She said yes. At that moment Melinda’s heart went from dark to light, hard too soft, closed to open.
Forgiveness passed between the friends and it re-charged her body. Melinda could feel the internal transformation and felt great relief. She admitted she hadn’t until now grieved the loss of her friend.
If we’re not ready to forgive another – like Melinda did with her friend – we can start the process by forgiving ourselves. Using the same technique performed by Melinda and me, sit in a quiet space. Lay your hands on your heart. Visualize yourself standing alone. Your imaginary Self is trying to tell you something.
When you tune in and listen, you hear the words “I’m sorry.” Once you fully absorb this heartfelt apology, you stretch out your arms and hold yourself with love. You offer forgiveness to your Self, and let the light stream in and through you. Let your tears flow and your heart lead the way to the light. At the end of the exercise, repeat out loud: “I am the light. I am the light. I am the light.”
Be here now.
A focus on either the past or future usually involves worry and negative thinking. Our sense of balance is compromised. We are less aware of life happening now. We may find ourselves mentally paralyzed by a past event. We may determine there is no future because we’re not worthy of a happy life. Either way, the light appears to be out of reach.
Recall a time when you were in the moment of reading a book, making a craft or listening to music. You drifted out of time and into a natural flow. Focusing on the present moment brings us into a state of flow which allows us to enjoy what is in front of us.
We possess the powerful choice to remain hostage to the confines of time or to experience the freedom of flow. Remember: light only exists in the present.
Storytelling teacher Jay Dixit says:
“Cultivating a nonjudgmental awareness of the present bestows a host of benefits. Mindfulness reduces stress, boosts immune functioning, reduces chronic pain, lowers blood pressure, reduces heart disease and helps patients cope with cancer. Mindful people are happier, more exuberant, more empathetic, and more secure. They have higher self-esteem and are more accepting of their own weaknesses. Anchoring awareness in the here and now reduces the kinds of impulsivity and reactivity that underlie depression, binge eating, and attention problems. Mindful people can hear negative feedback without feeling threatened.”
Act with kindness.
Whether a person is a stranger or friend, kindness brings out the light in all. Kindness breaks down barriers and inserts light whenever it is shared. Kindness means we are committed to see the positive in a person or situation . We’re willing to share a version of ourselves that is genuinely interested in another’s well-being. Light permeates the space between two separate beings. A relationship then functions from a place of trust and peace.