Visualize a beautiful flame that burns brightly and steadily within the center of your chest. Imagine its colors, the reds, oranges, yellows, and bright blue at its center. It creates a glow that illuminates the corners of your being. This flame is unwavering and steady no matter how the winds blow and emotions roll. To anchor and ground ourselves, we look within and connect to this light.
At this time of year it’s easy to get frazzled. Time seems to be short, there is always something yelling for our attention, trying to get us to act, and to act quickly. There can be a frenetic energy in the air that all seem to tune in to and rebroadcast. Simply driving can undo a person. Next thing we know, we’re tuned into the frenetic broadcast ourselves.
Here’s the thing. If you can take just the briefest of moments to pause, to breathe, and to visualize that flame in your heart center, you will be able to switch the dial. You will tune into a new frequency of steadiness, hope, and love. A frequency that comes from that light within, that peace that passes all understanding.
It is possible to make our choices from our heart center and follow through with loved based actions. Remember that moment when you were rushing and someone around you acted from their heart. Maybe it was as small as holding the door open for someone or as large as the peacefulness in choice. Calmly moving through the busy aisles and lanes, realizing that it will all work out.
I had the most amazing experience with such a moment after a large yoga conference. The conference had ended and we were all exhausted. This was the first time this conference had been offered and there were the expected moments of extra confusion. One was the shuttle to the airport. A group of us were waiting for this shuttle, and waiting, and waiting. Nervously checking our watches as time ticked by and no shuttle arrived. Finally we flagged one down and climbed on board. In the shuttle there were quite a few of us who were anxious, including myself. What would happen if I missed my flight? Please note, this was 15 years ago and I had only flown a handful of times at this point. I figured if I missed my flight I’d be walking home!
Now the interesting thing was that even as the nervous, anxious energy was building in the shuttle I became aware of the one calm and smiling young lady. Her light was bright enough to cause me to pause. She chose not to jump into our worry. What makes this fascinating is that her flight was the earliest out of the group. Yet, she was OK. She knew it would take a miracle to get her there in time to make the flight, but she wasn’t going to waste her energy worrying. She sat with grace and lit up the shuttle. Her peacefulness rubbed off on me and I realized that I needed to let go of the story I was building in my mind. This story of worry. Everything would unfold as it needed to and I could go on in grace or in chaos. What would my heart choose? What would my mind choose? She became my beacon of light in this moment, a reminder of how the choices we make affect our lives and the lives of those around us.
When we connect to our own light, we can see others’ light more clearly and shine it back to them. Know this, when people are truly seen, not just rushed by, but acknowledged and validated, they shift for the better.
You can be this bright light by offering a kind, uplifting word to the busy cashier, a cart to the shopper behind you, or sharing the beauty that you see in others. You can become a mirror for the light within your friends and loved ones, reflecting their inner flame. Remind them that peace is possible. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Thoughts to ponder…
What is the source of your light? How did your flame begin? What fuels and inspires you? What motivates you to share your kindness? What is it like to make choices based on love instead of fear?
May your light shine brightly and bring hope and love to all those you meet.
May you encounter bright lights that remind you of the light you have within yourself.
I honor the place in you
which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you
which is of love,
of truth,
of light,
and of peace.
When you are in that place in you
and
I am in that place in me,
we are one.
Namaste
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