Slay the Beast

When DARKNESSS comes…

• Darkness torments
• Darkness imprisons
• Darkness seduces
• Darkness harms
• Darkness terrifies
• Darkness enslaves
• Darkness weakens
• Darkness pains
• Darkness bleeds
• Darkness confuses
• Darkness devastates
• Darkness corrupts
• Darkness robs

Enter LIGHT…

• Light fulfills
• Light nourishes
• Light renews
• Light invigorates
• Light enlightens
• Light communes
• Light strengthens 
• Light caresses
• Light humbles
• Light guides
• Light befriends
• Light balances
• Light heals

The subject of light and darkness spins deep conversations from all perspectives. How one applies them daily plays a significant role in affecting our everyday lives. For the ancient Greeks, light nurtures understanding and intellectual thinking, and darkness signifies illiteracy. Pythagoras held that the eye was like a lantern for the soul, illuminated to allow us to survey our surroundings and recognize them. The terms we come across, such as a beacon of light or a shining light to describe people or things that are good, mainly in an awful situation, are psychoemotionally powerful. Through cultures, light epitomizes life, joy, prosperity, and love. On the other, darkness reflects chaos, ill-being, and misery. India has a beautiful five-day festival of lights, known as Diwali, typically held in late October or early November. It highlights fireworks, feasting, and praying, with celebrators lighting rows of traditional clay oil lamps painted in vibrant colors outside their homes to embody the conquest of light over darkness and “knowledge over ignorance.” While it is a serious tradition for Hindus, Diwali is celebrated across faiths, including Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. In Christianity, light drives goodness, wisdom, and hope, while darkness unfolds sin, evil, and despair. At any juncture, it is calming to realize you can willfully instill light to improve an adverse setting. With intention and effort, conveying this potent mindset can be impactful for beneficial outcomes. As we know, the existence of light and dark is a duality and cannot occur or be experienced without the other. In due course, our inner light gets brighter and brighter with each moment of darkness (i.e. adversity) that is defeated. From the great Maya Angelou, “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” 

There are many facets light can influence our lives. Whatever is necessary, seek and be the light in the darkest of times. Likewise, appreciate it when it bathes you with comfort, like having a loving family, best friend, or good health. The use of its unfiltered rays permeate the essence of virtue, empowerment, and survival. It is also an alley to navigate with confidence and triumph through challenges. As it comes, feel light’s love and be beamed with its effect on happiness. And beyond, let it envelop your senses to help sustain the world in unison and harmony. The black cloud of negativity and selfish-driven antics canvases our ability to feel the gift we have to be alive and breathing. At termination, what one leaves behind for others to note is either the torch of lasting remembrance or the burden of lifetime sadness. The former connects humanity, and the latter erodes it. In the beautiful words of Walt Whitman, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.” 

Offering support for one another on a local and global scale connects light. Sharing the love with our loved ones and friends keeps the light aglow. Helping others in need through positive conversations and encouragement draws light into the chest of hope. There are many well-lit avenues one can participate in that cost nothing to make a difference in the circle of life. Exerting light everyday gives us a purpose for obtaining valued changes and contentment. As shared by Mary Anne Radmacher, “As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” 

Life’s outlook on light and darkness is as black and white as portrayed. Their differences are apparent, and there are tangible qualities one can apply to supplant the bad with the good, to what did not go well to being well. We have all experienced these two entities personally, situationally, relationally, spiritually, and more. Therefore, shedding light on the negative in everything we see, hear, and do, big or small, is healthy for the mind, body, and character. Many have given their light to me during my tough times, and I am so grateful for that. The care and support one receives, even from a far distance, shows there are wonderful people around. Continue to flash loving light over gloomy paths for yourself and one another, and life will always be bright.