We are all beings of light. Every cell in our body, every atom from which we are made, is composed of light. Does that mean that we glow in the dark? No, it’s just that energetically, we are all light beings. Even those who choose to live in dark ways and in dark pursuits.
How can I say this so unequivocally? How do I know this to be true?
It’s because it is divinely so. We are all carrying the spark of Divine, that little internal glow that comes from being created from the source of all light and love. Whether you believe in the big bang beginning of the universe, in the biblical one, or in something in between, the upshot of it all is that we all come from that creative source, that divine beginning. We are love and light because we come from love and light.
But, what about darkness? What about those who choose to live in dark ways, doing dark deeds, despising themselves and others? What about the unavoidable bits darkness that seem to be a part of us all?
Well, what about it? Do you not have to have darkness to provide contrast to the light? And, since we are all from that divine source of creation, isn’t it possible that, along with love and light we bring a bit of darkness with us as well?
Don’t worry, I’m not accusing you of being dark or mean-spirited in any way. But let’s face it, even those of us who try to be a light on the planet have our moments of ugly thoughts, or a temporary loss of control over our words so they spring forth with less kindness than intended. We have all, no matter how well intended, have messed up, made mistakes, been more dark than light at times.
Guess what? That is completely acceptable. Nobody is perfect! If you didn’t have some darkness to contrast with the light, then you wouldn’t appreciate the light and love as much. Seriously! Think about it. Doesn’t it feel so much better to know joy and happiness after a particularly unhappy part of your life? Can you see how the contrast between dark and light makes the light that much sweeter?
Of course, I am not suggesting that all darkness is acceptable. We have agreed, as a society, that there are certain behaviors we will not abide, like hurting or stealing from others, to name a few. No, I am talking about the little glimmers of darkness that even the nicest people experience–the unkind thought, the envy or jealousy toward another, the general funk we can fall in to if we feel that the world is against us and nothing is going our way. We all have those moments of petulance and pouting. We all have our times of rancor and discord.
And that’s not only OK, it is to be embraced. Because here’s the thing about darkness and light–both are experiences that help us to decide how to live. By trial and error, over many lifetimes as well as this one, you are honing the person you desire to be, one gaff or triumph at a time. By experiencing both light and dark times, you shift your focus to fit that which feels best to you. That’s how we learn and evolve, not only individually, but as a planet.
What does that mean for you, personally? Let’s use an example. Let’s say you are a teenager, and one of your friends convinces you to shoplift an item from the store. If you’ve been taught that stealing is wrong, even if you don’t get caught, how does that act of thievery make you feel? Most people will feel crummy. There are some who might feel triumphant, who will feel as though they “got away with” something, but most of those who have a normal conscience will feel bad. They will feel as though they let themselves down.
You, as an adult, now have the choice to forgive your teenage self for that transgression, recognizing it as simply a learning experience, one that you don’t wish to repeat. Or, you can keep carrying the guilt around, dragging you down with your own personal crappiness, marring the otherwise wonderful life you have now. The choice is yours. By accepting that we sometimes do lame things, we pave the way for more light to shine through our souls, knowing that we are divine beings of light, who also have the choice on this planet to experience non-light. To have those moments we wish we could take back, but we can’t. We can only acknowledge that perhaps that wasn’t the best choice, and learn from our errors.
Those of us who are trying to be our best selves, who are hoping to bring light and love to the planet, have to realize that there are others who are choosing to have darker experiences so we don’t have to. Let’s face it, we have already been the thief or murderer in a past life somewhere, and we learned on the soul level that we don’t want to have that experience again, so in this life we have chosen to be the light bearers, the ones who show the way. Or, just try not to muck up everything! We are all trying to do the best we can.
Those who choose to live darker lives are having their dark life experience, as a lesson for themselves and others. While we might not want to hang out with them, we can acknowledge that it is their choice to be who they are choosing to be. Of course, if they get too far out of line, they may end up in jail–an experience that neither you nor I wish to have, I’m sure.
So, while we are trying to be the best person possible, understand that there will always be a small part of you that has a darker component. The trick is not to try to tamp down and disavow the darkness. The trick is to shine your light so brightly that the darkness is the merest, barely-there shadow. You won’t be able to get rid of it completely, because it, too, is part of divine creation. But, by allowing divine light to flow through you and to expand and intensify, the little bit of darkness left will be of no consequence, and certainly of no concern.
Let your light shine. You are light, you are love, with just a smidge on non-light and non-love. And that’s okay. It makes you who you are, and is part of your soul’s growth to bring forth your light despite any darkness you may be carrying. The stronger your light, the weaker the darkness. The more joy and love, the less sadness and heartbreak. Not that you will never experience the sadness or heartbreak. It will just not be who you are. You will be light and love, joy and happiness. The rest is just experience.
Be the light. Be the love. Shine your love-light as brightly as possible. That’s all you can do at any given moment, even the moments that don’t seem very fun. By being the light, you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, which is reflecting that divine light of spirit. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, until it is a true expression of who you are. Enjoy your light, while accepting the momentary bits of darkness that pop up now and then. It is all divine. It is all love. It is all you.
In joy and love,
Barbara