Light, it is such a powerful gift and especially now in the Northern Hemisphere when our days are much shorter at this time of year.  The light has ways of culling out inspiration in our souls, it makes photographers want to pick up their cameras, painters want to grace their pallets with ethereal visions, and writers attempt to memorialize it with words.  Personally, I don’t believe we can adequately capture the light in any of these mediums, although I hope none stop trying to grace us with such beauty.  We can, however, share our light, spread joy and happiness and this is perhaps the only way to capture the light, by sharing it.  The very nature of it warms ones soul, inspires and brings hope.  Why not share it with someone, a stranger, someone you just met, a dear loved one, take a moment to reflect and share especially during these dark winter months.  Love and light are what keeps our soul in harmony with the Earth, and for too long we humans have been out of step.  I cannot pretend to know or understand how this occurred, but I will admit I too have lived in the darkness and not been aware of my own light, let alone shared it with others.  Life can bring us to our knees, and this I know too as I have silently knelt there in the shadows when told I had a brain tumor, when told my husband did not make it, I went to the depths of darkness and snuffed out my light.  I believe it is human nature to go there when confronted with death, pain and suffering.  However, we do not have to stay there, we can ultimately get up and help others along the path by sharing our light.  Additionally, it assists your own soul’s growth when you silently send light to others.  I would encourage you today to shine your light, to share your joy with someone and take a moment to reflect just how beautiful life is and hold that thought in your heart.  If we as a human race could all do this collectively, forgiving others and holding only love in our hearts what a powerful amount of energy and light we could emit.  Try it today!

“When Buddha was on his death-bed he noticed his young disciple Anan was weeping. 
’Why are you weeping, Anan?’ he asked. 
’Because the light of the world is about to be extinguished and we will be in darkness.’ 
The Buddha summoned up all his remaining energy and spoke what were to be his final words on earth: 
’Anan, Anan, be a light unto yourself.'”

– Buddhist Scripture