Sunday was a brilliant day as I found myself immersed within a day long practice of “Light Bathing.”
This wasn’t my plan nor did that term pop into my mind until I was already deep within the process. With my morning shake in hand, my plans rearranged themselves when I was called to engage my Soul in meditation.
Sitting in my pajamas on my back deck, journal nearby, I closed my eyes and dropped into the moment.
The birds sang. My neighbor swept his patio. Planes occasionally flew above me. The breeze rustled my hair. I wandered through a visually rich inner landscape. My Soul Conversation was enlightening. Amidst all of this movement, Stillness emerged.
Opening my eyes, I noticed my dog resting nearby. He looked regal as he soaked in the sun – totally at rest and seemingly content. I realized that he often sought the light patches in the house or spent time resting in the sun on the back deck. Totally at rest and seemingly content.
Moving inside, my plans rearranged themselves again when I felt the desire to attend to my plants.
This again was unexpected. After all, I had a Dead Plant Sale when I lived as a resident advisor in the undergraduate dorms during grad school. I was clearly missing the ‘green thumb’ gene, yet here I was with a desire to tend to my plants. I have only one type of plant in my home and office given my seeming inability to keep them alive. Whatever type of plant I have, it is very forgiving and truly resilient.
I discovered that my plants were thirsty, the leaves wilted, and the vines long overdue for trim.
So I watered them. Trimmed them. Talked to them. Promised them more care. Finally I moved them all into the light.
When my husband came home, I informed him that our plants were “Light Bathing” until tomorrow.
I was struck by that term. I actually felt a warm pleasure throughout my body when it was said aloud. I noticed that I had turned on the lights that day in all of the rooms around me – using light as an accent of the beauty and tranquility of my surroundings.
Later in the day, while hiking in the woods, I noticed the presence of light everywhere.
I walked through ribbons of light in the denser forest and in bright sunshine through the field. When I prepared and ate my dinner, I blessed the food and those who brought it to me with Light.
I recognized that Light Bathing was not a new thing – it was a normal part of life. My dog already knew this, as did my plants.
Creating a new art piece that evening, I felt the lightness of enthusiasm and enjoyment while translating an inner vision into physical form. I chanted while I worked and consciously poured light into every layer of the mixed media painting.
My day ended with a practice to Steady the Light.
I resourced my energy field – physical body with the vital life force arising from the Earth and descending from the Heavens. Grateful for the day, it was no surprise to discover that it ended much as it had begun …
I was light soaked.
Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.
A recent Gallup poll reported about a third of workers in the US are unhappy and disconnected at their jobs. Research at Central Michigan University found that exposure to natural elements seemed to have a positive impact on workers. Sunlight exposure revealed an even stronger influence. Indirect sunlight was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms while direct sunlight was related to improved satisfaction and sense of loyalty at work. Employers, take note!
Learn the one essential skill that allows you to face any challenge with confidence, sturdiness, and inner calm.
More than a technique. It’s a game changer.
In September, I’m returning to the Temples of Humankind in Damanhur, Italy. It feels like an understatement to claim that this is a place of power, mystery, and majesty. Yet, I’ve found this to be true for myself and those I’ve met who’ve traveled within the extraordinary to the Temples and the community of Damanhur.
One cool Spring morning, I stepped on the treadmill at the gym looking forward to walking a few miles. Recovering from an injury, I had to walk at a moderate pace so I had brought my copy of What Is Enlightenment? magazine to explore. I always found something to inspire me within this publication focused upon consciousness, culture, and cosmos.
Stress is a natural experience in life. It’s often viewed as a doorway to disruption of wellbeing, peace of mind, and a clear navigational path in a challenging situation.
I’m a bit of a news hound these days. As one who hasn’t watched a newscast in years, I’m surprising myself. Ordinarily, I wait for the news to come to me. And it does. When something is important for me to know or respond to, I hear about it. Kind friends, clients, my husband, or a random stranger share a soundbite which cues me to look into a situation further. I’ve been very comfortable with this level of engagement for years now.
In the midst of our country’s woes, I’ve got Lucinda Williams singing in my head.
“You can’t rule me
you wanna go and tell me what’s good for me
you wanna tell me what I’m payin’ for
Well, the game is fixed, it’s plain to see
I ain’t playin’ no more”
I drove through a hail storm today. It began gently, offering a musical accompaniment to my journey. Intensifying, the hail noisily demanded my attention.
