Today I have many things to do so I started, way before the sun came up over the horizon. The clock said 3:30 AM when I got up and headed out the door to run in the desert. It was extremely dark this morning. There was no moon and I had one of the most fascinating views of Orion's Belt that I have seen in a long time. I could not believe how bright the stars were. I started to run and as I got further into the desert and away from the few street lights in Apple Valley it grew darker and darker.
At first, I thought it was neat and then I stumbled on a rock and started realizing that I could not see the dangers that are normally easy to spot. I could hear animals that were running nearby. I could hear them, but I could not see them. I thought and hoped they were rabbits, but for all I know they could have been coyotes or bobcats.
Afraid Of The Dark
The longer I ran in darkness, the more I became afraid. I became anxious for the dawn. I wanted to be able to see the trail better so that I could identify what was running all around me. I wanted the light to shine on me and light my way. I wanted the sun to rise and light my world.
As I ran higher into the desert, I could see the tiny lights from cars that passed by on the roads nearby. The light they provided actually made the darkness seem even darker. They lit a small portion of the road, but did not have the power the to light the world around me. I wanted light, and found myself looking toward them with hope, but they were unable to provide me any benefit.
Worldly Lights
I started thinking about this in terms of daily life. So many times our society surrounds us with ideas and behaviors that radiate very little light. We look at them with interest, but they can not give us any value. The purveyors of this light are constantly trying to fool us into believing that this light is real. But these dim lights are not real.
I find it interesting that even though we are more free to express ourselves in ways our ancestors would have never dreamed of expressing themselves, our current research indicates that we are actually less happy. This despite our willingness to accept behaviors once deemed inappropriate in the name of progress.
One reason that I believe this is true is because we are surrounded by darkness. Many of our leaders from the worlds of politics, business, entertainment, athletics and even religion are modeling poor behavior and even though their lives are disintegrating before our eyes, very few of us are willing to stand up and call for a return to virtue. We, as a society, are not only accepting, but we are also embracing behaviors we once found repulsive.
I Will Stand In The Light
I have discovered for myself, that this is no way to live. We must be engaged in doing good and learning what it means to be good. We must identify our values and strive to be a little closer to living them each day. As the world grows dim, many more of us must be willing to shine brightly. As our individual lights grow brighter, we become better able to lift and support others in doing the same.
The goal of individual development is to first create the ability to meet our own needs and then to sincerely and authentically focus our abilities toward helping others. When we stand in the light, our path is lit and we can clearly identify the dangers.
Are you willing to be a warrior of light?
What does a return to virtue mean to you?
Are you shining brightly?
There are many who will say that this way of thinking is old fashion and can no longer serve us. I say look around. The dim lights being shone in the name of progress are bringing very little happiness and fulfillment. We need authentic light. Please stand and shine brightly with me.
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