Do you know what ‘sparks a light in you?’ Are you aware of what makes you feel excitedly creative, awakened, full of life and energy, brimming with enthusiasm and passion?
When you start to do the things that you truly love, it wouldn’t matter whether it is Monday or Friday; you would be so excited to wake up each morning to work on your passions.
Edmond Mbiaka
Here are 3 ways in which we can be inspired to spark that inner light:
Finding our Light in the Darkness
Sometimes, our lives feel full of darkness, pain and distress, perhaps in the form of loss, grief or illness.
Sometimes, it might feel as though that vital inner spark which carries us through has dimmed or disappeared.
Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.
Mary Oliver
The poet Mary Oliver discovered that, in time, out of the box of darkness came some goodness, some light.
This can be in the form of insight, learning, life experience. Such awareness of the good that may come from bad experiences is part of a long process.
This is a process of resolution, of working through our painful darknesses in life and moving into something lighter and brighter.
Are we actually aware of our own ‘inner light’ which can still shine and guide us through the darkness?
You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun.
Shaun Hick
It is essential that we become aware of the light, power, and strength within each of us, and that you learn to use those inner resources in service of your own and others’ growth.
Chiaroscouro (light-dark) is a term in art that refers to the use of powerful and contrasting light and dark tones, which can also be used to achieve a three-dimensional effect.
This artistic effect is also symbolic of the light and dark within ourselves.
Having both aspects in our personality in a balanced and integrated way, means that we are more fully-rounded as people, more whole, with each part of us enhancing the other parts.
It is true that we gain strength and power through having experienced suffering and having been very vulnerable. Out of our weakness emerges the kernel of our strength.
Rekindling The Inner Spark From Childhood
Nothing is more beautiful than seeing a child light up with enthusiasm. The zest for life, the excitement, the energetic, uninhibited, exuberance of a happy child is a joy to witness.
Can we hold onto this spark of childhood enthusiasm, whilst channelling it into adult life and work?
Childhood fantasies and excitement can be transformed into something equally beautiful…and lifelong.
Following one’s passions, allowing ourselves to light up with enthusiasm and creativity, can mean that we will hold onto this capacity to be fascinated and amazed.
What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes? Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits.
Jung
Being With Other People
Being with another who is brimming with passion and vitality for an idea, a cause, work, creativity, a book or a painting, is an infectious and inspiring experience.
It is helpful to be with people who have passion and interest, who can ‘relight our fire.’ Such creative energy is catching and it tends to boost our mood.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
Albert Schweitzer
It is this that makes us feel uplifted. When we are enthusiastic, we feel stimulated, confident, creative, motivated.
It is an exciting, animated feeling, one that can propel us eagerly onwards and upwards.
In addition, when we are in the company of someone who has empathy for us, we can feel encouraged and inspired to develop ourselves, our ideas, our thoughts, no matter how absurd they might seem initially.
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Renee Swope
Our time on this planet is pretty limited. You’re too precious to not shine that light back into this big old world!
Kenrick Vaz 