Hallelujah! It's Spring! Seems like a long time comin’ but we're finally there. Even the apple tree is budding now - and the lilacs can't be far behind. I can't wait for my favorite flower to grace me with its beauty and scent.
With the growing light in the evenings (only 7 weeks until Solstice - can you believe that!?), I've been thinking of light in a couple different ways. As I work with people to bring their dreams forward into reality, I know that one type of light is similar to that of a lighthouse. Regarding dreams or goals, when we keep our clarity about what we’re doing, share and invite others to get involved and let our actions move things forward, it’s very much like when a lighthouse uses it’s light to guide the ships into harbor. In order for them to make it safely in, that light must stay solid and strong. An erratic light that goes on and then disappears makes it difficult for the ships to reach their destination. And if it’s not shining at all, there’s little chance of the boats finding their way home. In our desire to manifest our dreams, we must keep at it – especially when we’re feeling impatient and frustrated. We all want results and sometimes it takes longer than we’d like. Since we live in a culture that’s based on instant results and short-lived successes, there is that urge to quit when things don’t happen quick enough to suit us. Which leads me to the second kind of light I’ve been considering…
In our world of duality, you can’t have light without dark. While our dreams are bright and beautiful and fueled by our passion, we also have our shadows. Our shadow includes the messages of our inner critic – the voice that is so sure we can’t succeed, so sure that we’re the only Bozo on the Bus. While not our True Self and very much ego-based, this voice can seem more real than anything some days. Many clients tell me of slipping into a funk or getting depressed and it’s usually when they start listening to the critic in their minds. And believe me, it’s not like I haven’t gone there! When I get down, I know that my M.O. is to hide. I was taught that one very early – don’t share the ‘bad stuff’. What a ridiculous idea! As a coach, I often wonder how something so absurd has been so canonized in our culture. We listen to this critical voice – you know the one – it says something like, “Oh, share that and no one will love you – they’ll see what a pathetic sort you really are!” and then grow smaller and smaller trying to hide our demons. It’s a strategy that’s destined to keep us from reaching any of our goals. What I’ve learned about overcoming these demons, or vampires, is captured in the lyrics of one of Michael Franti’s powerful songs. He says:
“The vampires gather round me and lean in to take a bite
They want to drink my blood of courage and try to take away my fight
No, no, no, they can’t do that cuz one truth I’ve learned in life
You want to scare away the vampires
You simply guide them into the light.”*
This is the light of day. In the light the things in the dark lose their power over you. Put aside any shame or ridicule you’ve been taught to feel, and let out the dark thoughts. Once observed in the warm light of a compassionate friend or coach, or even writing them in your journal, I’ve known many negative ideas to fade and disappear. Saying your fears out loud strips them of their power. It takes trust… it takes faith, but it’s so worth it. Instead of toxifying your inner self with these ideas, when you release them into reality, you discover they have no shape, no substance. Free from this self-built prison, you can step out into the light. Now you can turn on the lighthouse – putting your energy to work for you – move forward towards your dreams and build the future you imagine.
If you’d like the support of a coach to tame your vampires and guide your dreams home, give me a call or send an email. I’m standing by to assist you in living your True Life!
Coach Victoria
(970)259-9040
Victoria@truelifecoach.net
* Go to http://www.spearheadvibrations.com/ for everything on this musician/poet/activist for peace.
