Light at the End of the Tunnel

 

Believe that there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Believe that you might be that light

for someone else.

Kobi Yamada

Our actions reflect our thoughts, just as our words express our feelings.  What we value is easily displayed in the way we live our lives.  Do we live with courage, integrity, and self-love?    Do we listen and embrace others even when we do not understand their passion?

How we handle our selves, reflects our inner perceptions of our spiritual development and concepts we hold of other human beings.  It is our essence that will either help or hinder  others.

Our acts of random kindness can change the life of a desperate person.  Just smiling may impact a life forever.  Unsolicited praise or encouragement may bolster the spirit of a person on the edge of giving up..  Setting an example of honoring diversity may challenge another person's perspective by enhancement.

In order to be a light for someone else, we must endeavor to truly know ourselves, improving our nature daily so we reflect passion, tolerance, and hope for all.  If we feel connected within our selves, friends and strangers alike will sense our calm and be encouraged to find  a personal peace of their own.

We may never know how many lives we have touched just by being comfortable in our own skin.  It is through example, in being a light, that others may find their way through the tunnel a little faster than expected!

Hearing Voices

“Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are.”

Markus Zusak

I am the Messenger

My definition of beautiful has certainly changed over the years from elements of the physical to an awareness of beauty within on soul level.  I have given up labeling people or trying to put them in categories by just living in the moment and really listening to what is being said out loud, what isn't being said and what is being portrayed by body language.  I no longer try to decipher what is truth or accurate reporting, I just embrace the message and wonder how it can be applied to the day, to life, or to nothing at all. 

If I develop the art of listening, I can be conscious of the intention of the moment.  I am not preoccupied as to how I need to remedy the problem, but rather giving my full attention in order for the person to fully express his or her message.  By creating an arena for someone to share safely and comfortably allows them to hear their own voices which assist in discovery of their own needs or actions.

When we remain balanced, our energy vibrates out to others and we are like a light in a dark tunnel.  Energy attracts energy.  If our energy is abrasive, people will shy away.  If our energy is expressing kindness and calm, people will feel invited.

So instead of squinting and observing a narrow view of cosmetic or fashionable beauty, try to hold not only the sense of seeing, but all of the other senses to appreciate a fuller view of each and everyone of us.  Experience the whole person by being attentive to not only sight, but sound and smell as well.  As we open all of our senses to another, we blend into a deeper level of communication.

 When we strive to listen and be present, we will not feel pressure to resolve issues.  We will honor and respect the space between two voices. By shinning our  light for others, we will see more beauty in every day people and allow for voices to be heard. 

Light Around You

Give light and people will find the way.

Ella Baker

A few days ago, I got stuck in an old emotional pattern.   Just one small negative thought crossed my mind, and instead of letting it slide right on through, it lodged itself in a web hanging in darkness.  The one small thought gathered other negative thoughts into the sticky web, growing in size.  One small thought became a wad of worry, concern, and fear.

I sent a quick e-mail to my women's circle, asking for them to place me in the circle of light at their gathering as I would be absent.  Almost immediately, I received uplifting responses.  The best was: "Just put that light around you now!  We will miss you!"

My friend's kind suggestion to use light, empowered me to take immediate action for myself.  Her simple words lifted my spirits, "We will miss you!"  I felt so much better.

The Circle of Women I meet with weekly always offers light to our loved ones, to those needing support, to those surrounding us in life, to the community, to the state, to the world.  We send light to those who may be homeless, hungry, ill or isolated.  For this brief time in our circle, we feel strongly connected with all people, tied by our compassionate hearts, universal love and oneness.

We truly need to remember to use our voices, to reach out and ask for help.  We must also be mindful that sending light or prayer can be very sporadic and brief, not time consuming.  When we are prompted to check on someone, to call or e-mail, I believe it is DIVINE SPIRIT working through us to assist someone else.  We need to respect these 'nudges' and follow through.

Holding my light, rekindled by the light of others, surely I will find my way!

Light as an Engery

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle,

and the life of the candle will not be shortened.

Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Buddha

Light is an energy that just keeps on giving.  The more this energy or light is given to others, the more we personally receive.  If we do not understand light as an energy, think of it as love.  We extend love to others and it returns to us in greater depths.

Light is a positive energy giving a vibration that allows us to feel good.  When we receive light, love or energy, it is like a deep hug.  Darkness or anger is a harsh or abrasive energy that gives us the need to turn away.

A simple example would be when we are in a grocery store and we see a small child, so sweet and innocent.  Our eyes may linger on the child extending love.  The mother may be totally unaware of our presence, but the child feels our extended love or light or energy and locks his or her eyes on our face.  The child may be shy or smile or turn and watch you walk away, knowing there has been a brief exchange of love, light or energy.  The same is true with pets or animals.  They sense if we are welcoming them with love or casting displeasure their way.  They react to whatever energy we extend.

We as human beings respond to love, light or energy every day.  If we are pleasant with an obviously stressed out person, it offers them a moment to pause and reconnect.  If we choose to be angry at the stressed person, the harsh energy builds not being healthy for either one of you or those surrounding you.

Begin each day aware of the light, love or energy residing in our heart.  Carry this energy as a beacon of light for others to experience kindness, acceptance or perhaps even courage to move forward with just our smile and good intentions.  We may never see this person again, but whatever goodness we extend, returns to us ten fold.  It will come in unsuspecting ways and more than likely from other people who are simply extending their own love, light or energy. 









Spread the Light

There are two ways of spreading light:

to be the candle or

the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

Candles have always mesmerized me.  They have been freely used in my life for much more than celebration.  Candles have held a vigil with me during times of sorrow or loss.  They have honored accomplishments and have been a presence when feeling so alone. 

The dance of the wavering flame always brings a smile.  And it is in the flame that I can get forget about time and space.  The flickering of the flame reminds me of the Sacred Heart of Jesus portrayed in so many childhood images with light extending from the heart.  The brightness of the flame brings to mind the golden auras surrounding angels, saints, and other domains.

Through energy work I have learned to be a vessel of light to be extended to all others.  As the light grows within me, I am able to spread light into the unsuspecting and suspecting hearts of others.  When I am in this light, I too, feel like the flame of the candle.

There are other times when I am only meant to be a mirror, to reflect my inner light outside of myself.  The more we know our inner selves, forgiving and accepting both strengths and weaknesses, the greater reflection we cast. 

Whether candle or reflection, we can spread our light.  The more we walk in the light, the stronger the flame grows.  Light attracts light and so together we can light up the world.