How Do We Deal With Darkness?

Dear friends,

It is a natural tendency to focus on what would be better for everyone were a given situation different. Obviously there are times where focusing on and preventing something from happening is both best and entirely sensible.

But it is a habit of the mind to focus on the darkness and it is very often not particularly helpful for either the situation or for ourselves. Yogananda has a beautiful quote: “Never fear the darkness or beat at it with a stick. Instead, turn on the light and it will vanish as though it had never been.”

It is true in a slightly different way when dealing with our own inner demons and challenges. We need to face them and accept that they are there. Affirmations are great so long as we do not ignore reality. One can create an "alternate persona" and wind up helping that imagined and imaginary person get closer to Spirit. But we need to get closer to Spirit, not this invented "better self." The first step is admitting and accepting that there is an inner work to do.

We tend to view ourselves as static: "I am a ___". But we are not static; we are moving in a direction. I have a friend who has a great sweatshirt that says "Saint In Training" on it. Now, that's a great affirmation! It acknowledges the work that is still to be done, while at the same time looking forward rather than behind.

There is a big difference between seeing and acknowledging something and allowing it to define you. Accept reality for what it is, then put one foot in front of the other with patience. As has been inspiringly and rightly said, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

May we each develop the strength and courage to see and accept reality for what it is, while at the same time focusing on where we want to be, knowing that steady—even if sometimes slight—progress is always possible.

Blessings,
David G., manager
For the staff at East West