Each of us has the Divine Spark, also called the Light of Truth, within us. That Light can grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day, but it can also grow dimmer and dimmer until we are shrouded in darkness. How can it grow dimmer? By covering it up with false traditions. Sometimes these false traditions impersonate the shining light of truth by reflecting other light. A light and mirror will never produce as much light as two lights.
Each generation has its prioritized virtues, as well as all the counterpart vices. Yet it seems that for as many people who truly shine with those virtues, there are many more who merely appear to shine with it by attempting to reflect the light of others. An apparent prioritized virtue of the present generation is authenticity, yet in a desire to be authentic, it is possible to force the appearance of authenticity by mirroring the actions of others. The person who shines and the person who reflects are both capable of shining, both are inherently the same at the core in that they are a part of the Divine Spark, but the one who reflects is covering their true light with a false light.
While this idea is broadly applicable, the following is a personal example of how I have seen this. I love learning, I find immense joy when I experience that 'aha' moment that seems to shine greater light on a topic, helping me to see more clearly some truth. I also love helping others have that same experience. These two loves have undoubtedly guided me to my current profession which is essentially a mix of learning and teaching. Yet, my profession doesn't totally fill my cup, because it doesn't provide many ways for me to share my insights into religion, philosophy, ethics, and politics, so I am often left unfulfilled and frustrated.
In my pursuit of learning I read a lot and listen to various podcasts, and I find great joy in benefitting from the insights shared by others. Yet I also feel envious of their ability to share their insights with such a large audience, thinking that because I have so much to share that I should also be given the opportunity to share my ideas with such a large audience. This line of thinking robs me of my joy and has also caused me to become judgmental and critical of those who have the current opportunity to share their insights with large audiences which in turn, inhibits my ability to learn from them. So, what am I to do? I have come to realize, that the main point of my frustration is that I have focused on wanting to share my insights in the same way that others are sharing their insights despite having no present options to do so, leaving me helpless. Instead, I need to focus on what I can control, sharing in the ways that I currently can that best suits my current interests and lifestyle.
Hence, this blog. I started it over ten years ago when I was a missionary sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and I remember feeling very fulfilled at composing my ideas in a way that made them available to others. Now, seeing the wisdom in my younger self, I am picking that blog back up and I am going to begin again at letting my light shine. Who knows where this will go, but I am excited to finally leave the frustration of the waiting place behind and begin a new journey. I hope this inspires you to let your light shine as well.
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