9 Life Lessons on Light and Dark

Days like the summer and winter solstices, when we’re all more acutely aware of the relationship of light and dark, are a perfect metaphor for all the nuances of lightness and darkness that we experience throughout our life’s journey.

There truly never is light without darkness in it, and there is never complete darkness without light.

While some moments might have a greater balance of light to dark, kind of like the summer solstice, there are also those moments in life that will hold much more darkness than light, similar to the winter solstice.

Here are 9 things I have learned that give me strength, courage, and gratitude in both moments of light and moments of dark.

In moments of light:

1. To be aware of the blessing of the “higher point.” To acknowledge, celebrate, and be grateful when things are going well.
2. To increase that feeling of gratitude by honoring that this too shall pass.
3. To spread the light. In moments when my light is strong, I look to share it with those who might be having darker moments and know that by sharing it, it only strengthens my light while also easing their darkness.

In moments of dark:

1. To be aware that “low points” are exactly that, a low in which the only direction to go is up, towards more light.
2. To ease the feeling of burden by honoring that this too shall pass.
3. To accept other’s light. When my light feels weaker or could use some kindling from others, I allow myself to ask for what I need and accept support from others.
4. To be patient. Moments of darkness always offer a chance to change the story. They offer us a chance to pause, to stop trying to figure everything out, to stop doing and just be.
5. To listen and be present, not to anyone else or anything external but to listen to that quiet voice inside. One moment at a time, to choose the next best feeling thing. Right here. Right now.
6. To be open to and embrace the softness and surrender that is accessible during the darkest moments. And that there can be magic in the surrender, if we allow it.

Since there never is only light or only dark, it means we always have the potential to tap into the lessons of darkness, even in our own brightest moments, and to feel the blessings of lightness, even in our own darkest moments.