Only light can recognize light

Hello Dear Friends,

In these difficult times we have a choice. Fall under the power of negativity. Or use the situation to deepen our practice, and unveil our compassion. If we are only focusing on what is wrong, what is scary, what is lacking, the mind will turn dark quickly. And once it turns dark, it will want to stay dark.

May we use this opportunity to look for the light. To intentionally include in our mind-stream, every day, throughout the day, what is good. What is right about our life. What is positive. What are we blessed with? What do we still have? What can we still do?

We are not ignoring the challenges we are facing, but we are also not focusing on them. For the light of awareness to shine brightly, we must not be pushing away any aspect of the present moment. The dark clouds, or the light puffy clouds.

We are aware of the suffering in the world but we are focused on that which heals the suffering. If we focus on the suffering, we add to the suffering. If we focus on the light, on the compassion, on the practice, we become part of the solution. We continue our journey of healing and awakening, and we contribute to the healing and awakening of all beings on this planet. And all beings everywhere.

A dear teacher of mine, the mindfulness therapist Marianne Rowe once gave me a practice, in what was a very dark time for me. Look for the light. When you are outside notice where the light is, where the light is reflecting. The sun light, the moon light, the light from the lamp. Over and over and over again, look for the light. Notice the light.

Only light can recognize light. To find the light without, is to find the light within. To find the light within, is to find the light without. Light does not make the distinction between inner and outer. It illuminates evenly, impartially, brilliantly. And where there is light, the darkness can not be.

May we each take such good tender care of our hearts. May we be kind and understanding with ourselves and one another. May we understand that to fall is not a problem, the problem arises when we choose not to get back up.

We call the path a practice, not a perfection. We are practicing, which means sometimes we will be falling into negativity or harmful conduct. All we can do is our best. And when we do fall, we do our best to be so kind to ourselves, and help ourselves back up.

Helga and I are so honored to know all of you, to be able to practice with all of you. We are in this together.

We send you our prayers, and are holding all of you in our hearts, as we know, you are holding us in yours.