The Pathway Out of Suffering
Darkness is the heavy and cold state of inertia. It is dense, very dense. This state can exist in the physical, energetic, emotional, thought, and spiritual planes, or all planes at once. It is an integral part of nature, neither good nor bad, darkness just is. In the Northern Hemisphere as we enter the shortest day/longest night, we are at the peak of darkness.
This darkness will pass; this is the cycle of life. For every action, there is an equal an opposite reaction. The duality of light and dark is the balance of living in the world. We need only witness the turning of the day and the seasons to understand the rhythms of nature. We are a part of nature, not separate from it. Yet, we are so much more than nature.
Dispelling Darkness
If we want to release the darkness, we must start making strides towards the light. Our patterns of behavior and thought are what keep us stuck in the darkness. We keep walking the paths of our past, seeing the same scenery, telling the same stories, and wondering why nothing changes. This is not a judgment, it is what happens, we all do it. Brain science tells us that the more we do a thing, the more it becomes entrenched in our neurology, leading us to repeat it. The more anxious we are, the more anxious we get.
The way out of this cycle is to bring in some new patterns – this is the light. When we start, it feels uncomfortable or weird. We find many reasons to not practice because we are going against the grain. The commitment to a new and better version of ourselves keep us going. These commitments are the lights in the darkness.
Light the Candle
Even the smallest light in a dark room changes everything. We begin to see details that were lost and warmth grows in the heart. When we light the candle of inspiration and hope, we create a roadmap to actualize the vision we have been dreaming up and longing for.
Let’s Get Practical
All that sounds great, right? The way to put this into action is through self-acceptance and compassion. The only way to move forward is to accept where we are. To get to point B, we must first know where point A is. This is finding ourselves on the map, or self-acceptance.
This begins with an honest look at ourselves.
- What is happening right now?
- What is it that is causing you suffering right now?
- What are you trying to avoid?
- What has been left unsaid?
- What will your life be like if everything remains the same?
This can feel like wallowing and there will come a point where we cannot hang with the self-reflection anymore. The point is not to wallow, instead it is to practice acceptance. When overwhelm arises, use garuda mudrā.
Light the Candle
Now it is time to light the candle. This is the hope and inspiration that guides us out of the darkness. Believe it or not, there are many candles, waiting to be lit. Once we start a pattern of hope and inspiration, it becomes like all other patterns, it spreads.
- What is the energy state you would most like to experience?
- Where would you like to be in the world?
- Who would you like to surround yourself with?
- What would you like to be doing with your life?
Now, take one simple step in that direction.
This can be challenging on your own. I’ll be leading a version of this, a little more in depth, but with some yoga and breathing, on New Year’s Day. Join me for New Year New Vision and we will light some candles!
