Wisdom, regardless of tradition, has common threads. Wisdom comes from listening to our Selves and connecting to our true nature. This often comes as a consequence of experience and of unbecoming. Wisdom can also be sought after or through traumas and life challenges.
In many traditions, the theme of “light” surfaces as a source or an expression of wisdom. In reiki, our visualizations of the life force energy is picturing bright white light flowing through living beings. The symbol “Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen” is one of healing through time and space, as it refers to our “inner light”. In yoga, we cultivate the practice of “love and light” and the greeting “Namaste” essentially means recognizing in the light in one another. Many writers have compared us to stars; even scientist Hubert Reeves says we’re stardust. My Cree name, Bright Star Woman, is not meant to emphasize my difference, but rather to remind me of my ability (and duty) to connect to my Self. The Buddha said: “if you light a lamp for someone, it will also brighten your path”.
It’s all about awareness and cultivating who we are through self-honouring practices.
People who are aligned with their values, life choices, passions, purpose tend to have a “glow” and be very magnetic. This has little to do with being outgoing and everything to do with the love they emanate. The love for their families, their jobs, their lives… their self-love.
When you possess light within, you see it externally. ~Anaïs Nin
Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. ~Kahlil Gibran
As humans, we’re drawn to happy people, kind people, successful people, loving people. We want to be near them, know their secret, share in the light.
Our journeys are very much lit from the inside.
We all walk in the dark and each of us must learn to turn on his or her own light. ~Earl Nightingale
We are love and we are light, so naturally, we gravitate to these people because they remind us of our true natures and of our potential. What we need isn’t indoctrination or strict rules, all we need is a light to show us where we are. From there, we can take steps in the direction we feel is right. My interpretation of the following Benjamin Franklin quote is that often times, we don’t need to be told what to do or where to go, but we simply need a light (to be shown our own inner light) and we can find our way on our journeys.
Lighthouses are more helpful than churches. ~Benjamin Franklin
We are our own light. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded.
Tell me how you’ve found your light? How has someone reminded you of your light, through shining theirs?
