Find the Light 60 Day Challenge was a success!
The initial hope was to
1) encourage self-reflection,
2) engage your neural wiring toward positivity, and
3) connect with others.
Light and shadow are interconnected aspects of the way we perceive the world. Light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye and allows us to see objects and colors. Shadows are created when objects block light, resulting in areas of darkness. Essentially, light allows us to see, while shadows are the areas where light is blocked or partially blocked by an object. This is both true of our physical reality and our mental and emotional reality.
Why it Started?
The challenge launched because my friends, family, and clients were experiencing similar issues. These caused me to pause and inquire as to whether what I was hearing were individual responses to life circumstances or if they were collective struggles. I interviewed people to inquire more deeply about their ‘light’ (i.e. their strengths, hopes, and sources of energy) and what events, people, circumstances are generative. I also wanted to know what was preventing them from accessing their light.
Recap of ‘Finding the Light in a Dark World’
Our relationship to light and dark is complex. For some, leaning into the light can cause angst because it feels unsafe, unsteady, and fleeting. Avoiding feelings of joy, pleasure, and calm is their norm. One might think that leaning into the light would be easy, a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t someone want to experience positive things? (This is more of a nuanced topic for another post. In the meantime, read this article.)
For others, there is an urge to cling to the light, wanting to only experience positive thoughts, emotions, and experiences – unaware of the clinginess. For these people, experiencing anything BUT positive emotions can feel especially distressing.
For some, darkness is unfamiliar territory. The “darker” emotions or sensations may include shame, rage, jealousy, or hopelessness. Denying or evading these emotions is common because of the potential negative consequences. Sometimes, people’s reactions to “negative” emotions can elicit destructive and painful behavior not only for themselves, but for those close to them. The fear is ‘if I experience this emotion, I’ll lose all control and dive headfirst into the darkness, never to return’.
Daily prompts were posted on Instagram every day for 60 days ranging from ‘When do I feel most calm?’ to ‘What courageous actions do I need to take to create the life I want?’ These questions were intended to 1) encourage self-reflection, 2) engage your neural wiring toward positivity, and 3) connect with others.
What People Said.
The interviews ranged in terms of responses, but what was consistent was their relationships being an important part of how they navigated their lives. Additionally, they all had struggled with many things that they overcame and may still be working through. Sometimes finding the light is a process of unlearning/undoing what we’ve learned and re-learning a different way of living/being. The answers below are a compilation of multiple interviewees.
- What are most grateful for right now?
“I’m grateful for my health!”
“Perspective. I have been able to acknowledge the small moments of joy, wisdom, and being grounded.”
“The new team I’m part of. They see something in me that reminds me who I am.”
2. What have you seen or experienced that gives you hope?
“Watching my kids make decisions that support their wellbeing and learning how to navigate disappointment.”
“I look forward to seeing how our future systems, inventions, relationships, laws, change for the better. Life force is all around us and I experience it in group therapy/12-step groups. We are all one.”
“My kids’ amazing ability to be flexible and resilient.”
3. Describe a time when you felt connected to something larger than you.
“Daily! I rely heavily on my belief/faith to get me through fear.”
“The first time I drove to the Palouse and was in awe of it’s beauty.”
4. What opens your heart?
“My faith and belief in a higher power.”
“My kids. Building in compassion throughout my day.”
“My grandkids. They are incredible humans.”
5. Describe something you find beautiful.
“Seeing someone smile. It brings me such joy and comfort.”
“My kids are able to tell us hard things without shame. They embrace who they are and it is absolutely beautiful.”
“The sunsets on the Palouse. They’re stunning!”
6. What am you most proud of right now?
“I’m just glad to get through the day sometimes. I never thought I’d be that way.”
“Being able to be free, authentically me, and celebrated at times.”
“Getting older and being able to handle life with grace and grit.”
7. How do you balance the darkness (negative thoughts, sensations, emotions) and light (positive thoughts, sensations, emotions)?
“I find healthy doses of pragmatism, while understanding that light and dark are part of life and navigating through them as best I can.”
“It’s difficult at times. In my best moments I can see emotions and situations with more clarity and hope. I try to remember this is temporary.”
8. What’s the biggest barrier to finding the light in your life?
“Letting my emotions run my life. I have to make concerted efforts to take a few minutes to breathe and take a step back, making sure I don’t react in a way I’ll regret.”
“My brain. I overanalyze everything. It’s really challenging for me at times.”
For more on “Finding the Light” initiative visit @wearelightingthepath to see the daily prompts.
Lighting the Path 