Marianne Williamson so beautifully wrote in the book Return to Love “It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.” What is our light? How do we know if we are afraid to shine? Why are so many people playing small when there is so much potential locked up inside them? How do we learn to shine bright in this world?
When I was younger I had this recurring dream where I was being chased down a hallway in an apartment building. The fear was intense and I felt like I was running for my life. I would run down a hallway and down the stairs, down a hallway and down the stairs desperately trying to gain some distance. Finally I arrived at the bottom floor and I could see the exit sign at the end of the hallway. I thought if I could only get through that door I would be safe. I gathered all my strength and courage and began running faster. I started to feel some distance. I reached the door with a ray of hope and when I swung open the door…BAM…there they were. I woke up in a panic completely out of breath with sweat pouring down my face. It was always the same dream and it always ended the same way. I never saw who I was running from.
Years later I was receiving a yoga therapy session and I was being supported in reclining bound angle pose. I felt a sudden panic and deep fear just like in my dream. Everything inside of me wanted to run. The therapist encourage me to imagine myself running and just as I took a deep breath to gather all my strength I heard the words “NO!” I was done running. I ran my entire life. I decided I wanted to face my biggest fear. When I imagined myself turning around I started laughing out loud. There was nothing there. Initially I was confused because I was running from nothing. Then this wave of grief washed through me as I realized I had been running from myself. I was afraid of my own power. I was afraid of my own light. I was terrified to share my gift as an intuitive healer because I thought others would judge me. It was in that moment I realized that I was not only hurting myself but I was denying others the opportunity to experience my gift.
We are not meant to hide parts of ourselves yet we are taught to fear judgment. We are all meant to shine bright and share our gifts with the world, yet we are taught not to out shine others. This fear based thinking keeps everyone playing small. Oprah Winfrey shared “I was once afraid of people saying “Who does she think she is?” Now I have the courage to stand and say, “This is who I am.”
I have learned that it is way more painful to deny parts of myself or pretend to be something I am not than it is to sit in fear of judgment. In fact, I was inspired to “come out of the closet” and expose my truth as I shared my gift as an intuitive healer in front of an audience of 10,000. I felt naked and exposed but completely free at the same time.
Do you fear judgment? Do you let it stop you? I have gained much wisdom from many spiritual teachers who are shining their light bright. They aren’t letting fear stop them. You cannot feel judged if you don’t fear judgment. Fear is a choice. Are you ready to stand in your power and own all of who you are? It is time to place fear aside and recognize the real truth.
You are a unique light in this world. There is a gift that you are meant to share that no one has. It is up to you to share and open your heart to others. The light deep down inside of you is designed to illuminate your path as you awaken your soul’s purpose. Your heart work in this world will not only have a positive impact on your life but it is designed to guide others on their path as well. As we all shine bright and have the courage to be a full expression of the Spirit within, we contribute to the divine light that will illuminate the hearts of many. The brighter you shine the more others will find their way and together we will create positive change and inspire healing in every corner of the globe. Who’s with me?
It all begins with a choice to turn your inner pilot light up just a little bit each day. Follow your heart, discover your joy and shine bright my friends. The world needs your light because together we shine brighter.
