Shine Your Light in 2021
What is light? Dictionary.com says, "Light is something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colors depend on light."
In the physical sense, we can't see without light. In the absence of light, we might rely on artificial light such as a flashlight, or natural light such as the light of the full moon to help us find our way in the darkness.
But light means much more than that. Each of us has our own light, which is our essence. It's what makes us unique. It's our inner-power, our truth, pure love. In my recent Vlog conversation with our Co-founder, Tida Chambers, she refers to the song, "This Little Light of Mine" as her favorite childhood tune. (Click HERE for a rockin' Springsteen version)
As young children, our light shines bright. Our unique personality blossoms as we interact with others and try new things. Some babies are shy, some are outgoing, some are sensitive, some are strong-willed. Unfortunately, this light of ours tends to dim as we get older. We develop armor to protect us from the pain of our experiences either by holding back our love or creating weapons of hate through our words.
In 2020, we saw our individual bright light of love and compassion dim, and be replaced by a polarized collective of tribes fighting against each other. The raging wildfires in Australia and California mirrored the rage of these tribes spreading as fast as the COVID-19 virus. Families and friends have torn apart, because of their political differences that was only fueled by our leaders in Washington.
But there were sparks that ignited a different kind of light. A light that shined on racial injustice that permeates our society even today in the 21st century. Although it illuminated the bigotry that continues to exist, it is the passionate light for justice and humanity that shines through.
Those embers will continue to burn until we, as individuals and as a collective, can admit our grave mistakes on humanity. Once we do, we will create the space to fill with our light of compassion and care for others.
2021 is time for us to shed the armor and open our hearts to each other, despite our differences. If we truly need to hate something, how about we hate bigotry and injustice? How about we become a beacon of light for the world to admire and respect, not because of our power but because of our humanity.
Personally, i am looking to 2021 for relief from the pain and suffering we have all endured this past year. I am choosing to look deep into myself for the light that is me. To seek prosperity and thrive not in spite of, but because of the lessons I've learned this past year.
One big lesson for me is gratitude. In hindsight, 2020 has made me realize how many things I take for granted, for which I am now humbly grateful. Here's just a few:
Hugging
Eating out
Zoom
Doctors
Nurses
Comedians
Movies in a theater
Movie popcorn
Theater
Backyard barbecues
Travel
Smiles
Lipstick
I pledge to honor my own light and shine it as bright as I can on everyone, even those I can't see. If we could all do this, then we will surely light the way for a brighter, happier, and more prosperous new year.
Imagine all the people living life in peace,
Start your year of prosperity off to a great start by joining us on a collaborative training webinar on January 7th at 6:30p CST called, "Lighten Your Path to Prosperity in 2021: Discover your power to create sustainable change from the inside-out." Featuring mindfulness specialist and Co-founder of Live Free Yoga, Tida Chambers, professional organizer Cristina Sigurdson and Mindset Coach Damian Nordmann. Clear out the clutter in your mind and your space to achieve clarity, stability, and success from the inside-out.
Author, Phyllis Smith, is the Co-founder and CEO of Live Free Yoga, which provides yoga and mindfulness programs for youth and adults who serve them. She is also the co-creator of Lighter Being, a transformative mindfulness video series to help you find more balance, self-love and a lighter state of being.
