These days I find myself grateful for the daylight of spring. To be able to drive to work in the light, to have the evening extend into forever offers energy so life feels less heavy. Recently I have been thinking about light. Not the sun in the sky or in our home, rather the light within each one of us.
Eastern traditions call it the dantian or qi, the life force energy. Spiritual traditions call it the divine or spirit. The western children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine” reminds the singer to let their inner light shine, to not hide it. Children can be the best examples of letting their light shine. They dance, sing, swing, and laugh loud. Yet as we grow up, we have experiences that become a warning to us. Dim your light. In fact, to make others comfortable, you might want to put that basket back over your light, keep your head down and work hard.
About 10 years ago, a friend shared a poem with me. The words hover around me, reminding me… They are powerful; bringing me to a full-on stop. And each line is on point to life.
“It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us…your playing small does not serve the world…We are all meant to shine…It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.” (Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson)
Irish folk singer, Luka Bloom sings, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Light that Shines Within You.” You can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS_r8Ihsrts
This week, I invite you to sit with this song, poem, or the sunrise. Be curious. What part of your light may be hiding. Your light is your gift to you, to your circle, to the world. We need all lights shining. Please shine yours.
Shining together,
Andrea
Andrea Tatley 
thank you.