Light

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is a season of darkness. Festivals of light, such as Christmas and Hanukkah, merged with older celebrations of the seasonal change from diminishing to increasing light. The light of hearth, candle or LED bulbs becomes a symbol of hope for a better future.

In Washington, D.C., this week we saw a different play between light and shadow. Politicians played with the lives of middle class people, stricken by a recession, caused by the failure of government to adequately supervise the financial sector. What seemed to be done in bright light was actually a shadowy process of toying with the desperation of the many for the political gain of the few.

In an age dominated by the light of monitor screens, it becomes harder to discern what is shadow and what is truly light. Screens portray drama, not truth, much of the time. The news media stream reality from around the world, while those who work against truth burrow deeper into shadow. Manipulation becomes the weapon of choice in this battle between the greater good and individual greed.

Igniting the light of the mind is a practical method for discerning external light from darkness. Meditation and reflection are antidotes to passivity and gullibility. Walking into the light of my personal truth has not been easy. It requires shining the light on cluttered corners of my mind, where shadows hide dusty goblins of unhealthy thoughts and unproductive habits. As I strip away the unnecessary and unhelpful, I see the better way more clearly. This is the light I celebrate in this season. This is the light I wish to share.