Always Shining

Our fullest creative expression is what this world needs.  Our shine lights up the world with healing and inspires others with permission to glow. And... it is not safe in every situation, place, or moment in time to be a beacon. Sometimes we need to pull our energy in to be safe from forces that are threatened by the gifts that we offer and the change we inspire.  In the times when we must tuck ourselves away, when we cannot embody the full breadth of our most authentic selves outwardly, it is essential that we remember that we are not any less brilliantly ourselves. We are not diminished. Our unique essence is a necessary part of the health and lineage of all life, even if the shape of the systems calls us to retreat for a time.  If this image has come forward right now, may it serve as a reminder that whether or not we can share our authentic selves fully right now in society, there is something wrong with society, not with us. May we stand strong in our sense of self-worth and allow no one to shake that with their own pain, violence and insecurity.  This image depicts two aspects of ourselves with eyes closed - perhaps one is dreaming, while the other is awake and looking deep within. 

The aspect that is dreaming is holding a vision of a world where the kindest, most loving, creative, communal and supportive aspects of humanity can thrive. A place where folks feel loved, connected to one another and the planet, know they are enough just as they are, and where the wellbeing of any individual is inextricably tied to the wellbeing of all others. Where the creativity of humanity can move beyond solutions of violence and oppression to collaboration, compassion and repair. The Dreamer dreams this, no matter how much evidence they have been give that things are also otherwise. The Dreamer dreams of what is possible, in the face of what seems impossible.  The aspect of self that is looking within is shifting from a small world view to one expanding in size until it breaks its confines to become greater than any three-dimensional representation can contain. 

Another aspect of self is shown with eyes wide open, singing, smiling, laughing, talking - expressing! There are lines and dots connecting the network all of these states of being while receiving hands of support from unanticipated places.  An invitation: Let’s close our eyes, there is more to this reality than meets the eye.  Let’s close our eyes and scan every cell in your body, tapping into wisdom that our minds alone can not comprehend.  Let’s close our eyes and breathe in, tuning into a global consciousness that is much broader than the one we have been enculturated into.  Let’s open our eyes and breathe out into our fullest multi-faceted expression.  Let’s open our eyes and notice how we are aided by hands we cannot foresee in times of despair.