What do birthdays, romantic evenings, no electricity and sacred services all have in common? These events are frequently marked by the lighting of one or many candles. We strike a match with its distinctive whooshing sound, hold our breath, move purposefully and hold our hand steady as we transfer the temporary light into a longer lasting flame.
Candles represent a significant moment in our day. Each morning, part of my meditation ritual is to light candles. It's a simple reminder of the light that is residing not only within my own heart, but within the heart of all beings.
With the Vernal equinox being tomorrow, March 20 in the northern hemisphere, we are stepping out of the winter darkness into the light of spring. Those in the southern hemisphere are doing the opposite and it's through the changes in our natural world of light and darkness that remind us that nature reflects the ebbs and flows of our own lives.
Moving from darkness into light is a metaphor often heard in spiritual circles. As we move into our own levels of deeper awareness, we slowly lift the veils of ignorance and bias. We become more light-hearted, the light goes off in our thinking and we see the world from a more illuminated perspective.
One method of meditation is a candle-gazing exercise, where you light a candle, sit quietly and with your eyes softly open, you simply focus on the flame. If you've never tried this...go dig through your cabinet and haul out any candle that's just been waiting to be lit.
You might have heard the word "Namasté" (nah-ma-stay) spoken at the end of a yoga class. It is said in response to one person bowing slightly and saying "Namasté" with the other person doing the same thing. I love this translation of the word:
The light in me,
sees and honors the light in you.
And when we are both in this place,
we are one.
And even when the light goes out in somebody's world, that eternal flame resides within the hearts of others. I bow to you who take the time to read my words and I dedicate this week's writing to a dear client who passed away this week. May you rest in peace, BSW, and know that your light lives on in not only my heart, but the heart of many.
Peace and Namasté
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