When I get a moment of light breaking through, an epiphany, a moment of clarity, I heed the urge and reach for a piece of scrap paper.
It might be months later, or even years, when I encounter this scratch paper note in a pile of them on my desk, or tucked into a book or journal, and I get to revisit what once felt inspiring and clear.
This is one such note, from January 11, 2023:
Purposes
To ease suffering through my work. Rather than disconnect and withdraw from the world and from connected coexistence, and dwell in my own suffering, it’s to engage in the spiritual, creative, radiating work I serve as conduit to, and ripple the warmth and light of compassion for self and others. Focus consistent practice on consciousness and compassion. Do my work.
Because if I don’t, I wallow and drown in my anxiety and depression. I feel alone and angry and hateful.
One of the reasons I love podcasting is it draws me away from that anger and hatred. I get to connect with guests one-on-one in a meaningful way. I get to talk with and learn from humans who do amazing things and are amazing beings.
Those people are reminders of the good in humanity. It brings out my human good to connect with them, to listen curiously and compassionately to their stories and perspectives. That connection between me and the podcast guest facilitates connection between us and listeners.
The alternative to this practice of curiosity and compassion, for me, is to withdraw and to hate the miserable world that lacks curiosity, compassion and connection.
My purpose, and yours too, might be to just keep the candle lit in a sea of seeming darkness. To be there, flickering and alive, when another candle floats by and touches its wick to the flame and likewise comes alive and shines.
Our work is to be conscious of what we ripple, and choose accordingly. We all are rippling something, some energy outward, and affecting those around us.
Is it light or darkness that we cast? What is the impact we have on those around us?
And when we’ve asked ourselves that question and come to an honest, self-reflective answer, what might we do with that information?
Photo by zae zhu
