A week ago, I launched, "Be the Light," a glowing community art project that invites people to think about the light inside of them, write an intention about how they can bring that light into the world, then light a candle to add to the display. Curating the project has made a profound impact on me, and I'd like to share it with you in a letter to your light.
A Letter to Your Light
When I turn the candles on at dusk, I honor the light in each of you. I think of you, feeling privileged to relight the symbol of your precious gifts. I send warm thoughts your way, hoping that you have the courage to shine more brightly than ever before.
I equally honor the ritual of turning your lights off at night. Suddenly your intentions take the stage and in their peaceful, understated way, glow with their own quiet energy. I think about how the world will be different when you live fully into your intention. I think about what might shift inside of you. But most of all, I believe in you, and I hold your candle awaiting your unfolding.
Important things happen at "Be the Light." They are moments that transcend the one, and even the many. These moments are human moments. They are the moments of the Everyperson. They allow us to see the greatness and the shadow of life. Through our vulnerability in sharing these moments, we allow others to open up, to be more free.
Whether or not you've participated in person, take a moment now to reflect on what's special about you. Then consider how you might bring your light more fully into the world through action. Now walk into the world knowing that someone is honoring your light and holding your intention with the full belief in your ability to shine.
A Practice for Shining Daily
Do you honor the light inside of you? Do you make the choice to turn it on every day? Do you reflect on your intentions considering how to bring them to life? If you want to honor your light more fully, consider this practice:
1. Light a candle in the morning. Sit with it for a few moments.
2. Consider the most radical thing you could do today to let your light shine. Jot down a note.
3. Blow out the candle and go about your day.
4. At the end of the day, relight the candle and reflect on your intention. What was different?
If you don't make a profound move in one day, keep at it. Reflection and intention are key to living a big, bold, authentic life. We all benefit when you shine brightly. I hope you choose to honor your light and intentions. We need you to let your light shine. Unleash it and be free!
Show Your Light
This week we'll get our shipment of "Be the Light" shirts. These flowy, soft tops will remind you to keep your light shining brightly. Pick one up for yourself and gift one to a friend. After all, friends who shine together stay together!
Join Us
On Friday, December 16th, we gather at "Be the Light," for music, poetry and meditation. Join us at 5:45 to start your weekend off right. The program concludes at 6:15, so there is plenty of time to get to your holiday parties.
After coming together with live music, special guest Wendi Kaplan, Alexandria's Poet Laureate, recites an original poem. Stay for an inspiring meditation by Gina Rollo White, The Mindful Junkie. The program is great for all ages, so bring the family and let's be the light at as a community. You'll find us at "Be the Light," on the 2200 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301.
Not local? No problem, we'll live stream from our We Live Big Facebook account.