The Midas Tree
Virtual Blog Tour
Let Your Light Shine
Brightly
“You are the light of
the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. And people don’t light a
candle and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, where it gives light to
all. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your
good works and glorify your father in heaven” Jesus; Matthew
5:14-16
All the world’s
great spiritual teachers have used the symbol of light to encourage us to shine
brightly and be ourselves. Shining your light is important because each human being
has a unique note to play in the symphony of souls. If you do not sound your
note loud and clear, the entire orchestra is affected and harmony is not
achieved.
Then why do so many of us hide our
light under a bushel?
It can be
due to low self-esteem, including a belief that you are bad or not good enough.
Or it may be caused by a sense of worthlessness, a fear of being seen or of making
a mistake. It can even be because you have a sense that if you shine as brightly
as you are capable of, you might misuse your power.
So where
does this great sense of inadequacy that accompanies many of us through all or
part of our lives come from?
After all we come into the world all
bright and shiny
When we are first born, we are free
from baggage. As babies we are pure and fresh, still clinging to God. Then through
life experiences, we start to pick up a few “carry-on bags” along the way.
This can happen very early on, if
your parents do not accept your light. Were you told to be seen and not heard? Did
your family want you to be something different than you wanted; or be somebody
different than you were? Or did they want you to be perfect, perfectly behaved,
perfectly turned out and perfect at school?
Even with supportive parents, when
you arrived at school you might be bullied, or singled out by a teacher. Perhaps
when you did well in class the other kids didn’t like you so you toned down
your light to fit in? Or maybe you were just naturally shy and didn’t want to
be seen? So you quietly shriveled and shrank so as not to be noticed.
Adults have baggage and a tendency to self sabotage
Many of us learn to be our own
biggest critics. We develop a voice inside that constantly judges. It comes
from an internalization of all those voices from the outside. The false
assumption of the ego is that this will protect you from external criticism.
Meaning you will never put a foot wrong again because you will catch yourself
before they do.
Well you may say, that isn’t me, my
childhood was idyllic. Still there are still plenty painful experiences you can
have as an adult to stop you believing in yourself anymore: broken
relationships, failed careers, competitive peers, decisions you made or ways
you behaved that you judge.
Your light is important so turn it back on
Each of us is a unique spiritual
being, with our own individual spark of divine consciousness. We are all a part
of God here to express our uniqueness for the benefit of all. You came to this
planet at this time and into this body for a reason and no one else can take
your place. You have a unique position on the game board of life. You need to
be the best you that you can be so we can all win the game.
Let go of what blocks you and be your brightest self
Easier said
than done I hear you say; no matter how I try I still have that critical voice
inside of me. It can be tough to fight years of negative programming. But you
don’t have to do it alone. Remember to ask for help, whether from a spiritual
master you admire, from God or a worldly helper, such as a spiritual teacher,
friend or therapist.
“Find a teacher who is an integral being, a beacon who extends his light
and virtue with equal ease to those who appreciate him and those who don't.
Shape yourself in his mold, bathe in his nourishing radiance, and reflect it
out to the rest of the world.” Lao Tzu
There is an
old saying that says that the teacher appears when the student is ready.
Select some tools that works for you
It seems
that most people do not really know who they are and instead believe the layers
of pain, fear and programming they have amassed through life. Luckily there are
some great teachers. Most of them have a bag of tools to help you clear your blocks.
For me this tool has been
meditation. It has allowed me to turn within, let go of the layers of judgment and
competition and discover the real me. It has taken forgiveness of my self and
others. As well as a new way of thinking and operating so that I can now
validate my brightness.
Meditation techniques are my
constant companion and they continue to help me shine my light every day of my
life. Now my work is empowering and encouraging others to take charge of their
lives and be the brightest light they can be.
Dr.
Lesley Phillips is a speaker, author, workshop leader, spiritual and meditation
teacher based in Vancouver BC,
Twitter:
@DrLesleyP
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