On a recent work trip to Portland, I again noticed how one thousand miles provides contrasts I don't experience every day. For example, there is a marked difference between how early or late darkness (night) transitions into light (day). The change is most noticeable in mid-winter and mid-summer, when the days are much shorter or longer, depending on which city is your point of reference. And the cold and snow this past trip added a crispness and a magic to these contrasts.
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| Winter Darkness: learning to see beyond |
While pondering on darkness and light, I came across this quote:
"The difference is that darkness is needed in order to make light but light is needed to live. That makes darkness necessary, too. We need the two of them for a healthy circadian rhythm of our body and for sanity of our mind as well. And, if you're into the more philosophical dimension of it: you have to experience the dark side of life in order to embrace the light." (Rogier van der Heid, designer, Liechtenstein)
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| Winter Darkness: light illuminates what to see |
Dialogue works in a similar way: misunderstanding another person's words and actions provides moments where, through curiosity and inquiry, we can discover the person's intentions, meaning, and values. These instances of darkness, confusion, and mistrust can be illuminated when we slow down and question what we have seen, heard, or think we know. We can transition into compassion, empathy, and understanding. In fact, a lightness begins to outweigh the burden we carry when we cannot forgive or let go.
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| Winter Darkness: provides festive moments of clarity and life |
Questions to consider:
- What darknesses am I carrying into this day?
- How might I explore another point of reference?
- Can I accept the rhythm of darkness and light in my own life? How about in the lives of others?
May this week bring us moments of clarity -- when we can see beyond our darkness and into the light shining through others: You, Me, and Us.
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| Larry Gardepie
(click on link for website)
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