“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.

It seems that daily I see more and more contrast and what is broken in our world and yet I also see more and more hope and inspiration emerging. There are days I say, “Enough! It’s time to begin fixing things!” Then I remember that really the only thing I can “fix” is me, the choices I make and how I respond to others’ choices! I realize that the more centered and peaceful I am the more around me changes. If I’m upset and angry or resentful then that’s what my reality reflects.

I also hear many people wanting to return to “normal”. I ask myself, “What does normal mean in a new reality?” I don’t believe we can ever go back to how things were. In fact, I believe we are being offered an opportunity to create a new normal, so to speak. I feel like we’ve been given a gift if we choose to see it that way.

For many of you this time is a crisis of identity. For others it can be a spiritual crisis or crisis of faith. Studying the mystics was one of my favorite subjects during Theology school. I remember reading Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and poet. For some of you this time may feel like a Dark Night of the Soul. A time to face fear and deeper truths about faith, self, expectations, beliefs, and dreams. I’ve experienced my own dark night and questioned everything I believed. Caroline Myss, American author and medical intuitive has said, “The dark night of the soul is a journey into light, a journey from your darkness into the strength and hidden resources of your soul.” This was true for me. I am stronger and have awakened in ways I never imagined.

I realize that most of you would not have chosen to experience this opportunity for inner reflection at this time; however, it is something to consider, yes? I believe that we have chosen to be here at this time on Earth. It’s a challenging time for everyone and for the Earth herself. It’s also a time for healing and we’ve seen it already occurring in the environment and in neighborhoods. It’s a time to grieve for what’s been lost – friends, family members, routines, work, and so much more. It’s also a time to cherish each moment and be more present in each moment. Cherish the time we have here on Earth.

As you navigate your own dark night of the soul you can ask, “Why did I choose to be here now? What do I believe? What am I willing to change in me? How can I help others and be more kind, compassionate, accepting, and loving?” I see the light within each one of you. Your souls shine so bright and many of you are what I call anchors of light. I see you like lighthouses with lights so bright that regardless of the storm or fog you show others the way home – the way home to truth and love – the source of who we are.

Don’t be afraid to let your light shine for others. Don’t be afraid to experience your own dark night of the soul. At the end there is light. It’s ok to move out of the darkness and into the light for we are both. It’s time. Reclaim the power of you! Rev. Edwin Hyde Alden, Congregational Church minister said, “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.” Think about it. Imagine your inner candle or beacon of light now. Only you can extinguish it!

Hope and wisdom are buried deep within each one of us. Let the spark ignite and grow! I will be offering a free guided meditation to Ignite the Spark of Hope and Stay Connected! I will be using Zoom on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 from 2p-3p AZ time. It will be recorded. If you are interested in participating or receiving the recording of the meditation please register at victoriabarna.com.