Are You Seeing This?! Opening Our Eyes to the Light

"Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself." – Desiderius Erasmus

Why does it have to be so dark!?  These sentiments are shared by many this time of year when darkness seems to stretch endlessly, not just across the days but often within us as well.  Yet, throughout history, people have resisted this darkness with celebrations, rituals, and gatherings that focus on light.  Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Yule and the winter solstice all remind us that light—both physical and symbolic—has the power to dispel the shadows and lift our spirits.

While the many seasonal celebrations of light are intended to provide us with hope, connection, and renewal, these reminders are often easily lost amidst the busyness of our day-to-day modern lives.  Fortunately, these traditions continue to call upon us to pause and reflect on the vital interplay of “outer” and “inner” illumination that can foster collective resilience and joy in times of darkness. 

This year, as the darkness crept into both ends of the workday, I felt its weight and found myself in need of a “light booster.”  So after Thanksgiving, I made a commitment to catch at least a glimpse of each day’s sunrise and sunset as a way to focus on the light rather than brooding over the dark.  One recent morning, the sunrise outdid itself—pinks, oranges, purples, and grays exploded across the horizon in a breathtaking display.  Arriving at work, I found a colleague standing in the parking lot, pointing and exclaiming, “Are you seeing this?!”  In that uplifting moment of mutual awe, we helped remind each other of the importance of not just experiencing, but also sharing our “lightened” moments.    

Indeed, moments like that sunrise highlight a universal truth: rituals that involve light—whether personal or cultural—are acts of collective defiance against darkness and essential reminders of the importance of our opening our eyes and our hearts to the gifts this season can bring.  Whether the dancing of a fire, the flicker of a candle, the sparkle of holiday decorations, or the radiance of sunlight, these shared traditions bring deeper meaning to our lives in the midst of darkness, and can rekindle our capacity to be inspired, sustained, and renewed, even through the longest nights. 

So, as we pass through the winter solstice, let us embrace light in all its forms.  Light a candle. String up twinkling lights.  Share a sunrise with someone.  Gather around a fire.  More importantly, take time to be even more intentional about sharing those moments that can light up our spirit, regularly gifting each other with the invitation – “Are you seeing this!?”  The light is already there, waiting.  Let’s not miss our chance to share it together this Holiday season.