Kindle Light & Love This Winter Season

The dark sets in early each day of December in North America.

And for many of us, it is very cold now. At this time of year we particularly crave warmth and light.

And while being in a well-heated home and having ample warm clothes are essentials for which to be grateful, the power of light is sometimes overlooked.

Yes, it’s delightful to put up lights for the holidays. Yes, we lit Chanukah candles last week and marveled at their glow.

And there are many special ways to bring light into our lives — and the wider world.

Start by lighting up your heart

You can kindle light from within when you connect to the desires in your heart. 

Ask your heart what it wants, and if there are things it craves.

Then sit and listen.

You may hear whispers or bold statements.

Whatever you hear, think about something small you can do to honor a desire.

If, for instance, your heart longs for quiet, set time aside to be in a peaceful place. Make it beautiful. Light a candle. If you have flowers, put them where you will be. Add a scent that pleases you. Then savor the quiet.

If your heart asks for connection, reach out to someone and make a date. Or call a special person who is far away. Or plan a lovely way to spend time with someone about whom you care.

If there are a number of things your heart yearns for, aim to satisfy those desires gently and lovingly.

And think about ways to continue to honor what your heart desires.

Cultivate love to add more light 

Love, in every form, is a powerful force.

The more we love the more light we generate.

Start with self-love

Self-love is the foundation for all love, and for your capacity to spread love.

Listening to and responding to the desires in your heart was one great way to cultivate self-love.

Add attention to caring for your body. How are you nourishing it? Are you giving it ample rest? What are you doing to stay strong and flexible?

And honor your spirit. Make a point of doing things that bring you joy. Create in any way that will fuel your heart!

Show your love to people who are special to you

We often overlook ways to express love to family, friends, colleagues.

Small expressions of appreciation, like putting a note at someone’s place at the table, or bringing a cup of tea to someone who is stressed can make their day.

Affirming someone who you see is struggling can mean the world to them.

Chipping in to help, even in a small way, is a great way to show you care about someone.

Tell people you love that you love them!

Spread love to the wider world

When you are filled with love and are generous with love to those near you, you will naturally spread love in wider ways.

You will smile with ease, with those you know and strangers.

You will be more present and listen more deeply.

You will naturally feel and express gratitude.

Holding a door for someone — whether their arms are full of packages or they are simply moving through a portal behind you — will be your norm.

You’ll smile at someone who’s busy or frazzled and wish them a happy day.

You may decide to volunteer, or contribute to causes that align with your values.

Let’s all bring light into our lives and the world

In the midst of darkness and cold, this is a precious time to connect and celebrate — the holidays of this season, ourselves, and one another.

We can collectively bring light and love into the world in myriad wonderful ways, and make the world a better place. 

That focus on light, love, connection, gratitude and joy, has great power.

Thank you for joining me to build our enormous collective power.