Most of the shadows of this life are caused
by our standing in our own sunshine.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today's Meditation:
When I was younger, it took me a very long time to realize just how much of my own misery I was causing myself. I always blamed it on situations and circumstances, but I didn't ever look at my own actions to find out just how much they were holding me back. I never had anyone in my life when I was young who could teach me the importance of reflection, the importance of being aware of how our own choices and decisions affect our lives.
We are all bright, shining examples of the connection between spirit and humanity, yet for some reason we don't see ourselves as such. We tend to see ourselves, rather, as limited and ineffective, and we tend to define our own limitations. We can watch film after film of people who defied limitations, yet still not apply the lessons included in such films to our own lives.
I can be a light that shines for all in the world to see. I can be a positive model of possibility and potential for others. Yet I tend to focus on my own limitations, and I tend to talk myself out of trying some of the things that I would most certainly encourage others to try. It's silly. But I do it.
Please don't stand in your own light. Be the sun that brightens the day, not the shadow that keeps the light out of your life. Live fully and completely as a bright, shining example of the power of possibility and potential, and encourage others to follow that example by not standing in your own sunshine and keeping it from the world.
Questions to consider:
Why might we tend to stand in our own sunshine?
What kinds of wonderful possibilities do you have, based on your gifts and talents? Do you exercise those gifts and talents?
How might you step out of the way of your own sunshine to allow it to shine fully and freely?
For further thought:
Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.
Pope John Paul XXIII
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