”Go within every day and find the inner strength
so that the world will not blow your candle out.”
— KATHERINE DUNHAM
What the quote signifies for me is taking a moment regularly to re-attune with the timeless aspect of myself – to visit my inner, mythopoetic campfire that remains there despite how stormy life or the world might feel. I now trust that the fire is there because I have returned to it so many times. I trust that it will continue to burn and that it won’t blow out. What it asks of me is that I return to offer it my attention and presence.
I know how it feels when the candle is about to blow out, and what a difference finding a personalized practice can make – something that helps oneself stay rooted and cultivate energetic awareness and resilience. Of course, we all respond to outer stimuli, stress, and the state of the world in different ways. However, I do believe that we, as a collective, need to tend to our inner fire now more than ever.
No wonder wars continue to take place in the world when many can’t even get along with their neighbors and family members. Honestly speaking, many of us are at war with ourselves, judging ourselves for not being good enough. Going within to meet that which feels difficult or unknown might be scary, and often the easiest thing to do is to avoid it. Some wounds might heal with time, but in most cases, I dare to claim that what hides in the dark continues to exist as long as it is not seen.
When something goes wrong or feels unjust, our natural human tendency is to project outward and blame "the other." But could it be that what we judge in someone else is truly just a reflection of what exists in our own shadow?
Could it be that, for example, the manipulative behavior you perceive in your friend is a behavior you can also find in yourself?
Could it be that your most challenging relationships in life are your greatest teachers?
Next time you meet a friend, a colleague, or a family member and you feel triggered by something they say, instead of projecting and blaming the other straight away, can you instead go within and ask yourself, "Could it be that this thing I struggle to accept in the other is simply something I struggle to see and accept within myself?"
It is a question that can help one look at the relationship with honesty and take responsibility for one’s part in it.
This shift of perspective that the question offers allows for a practice of self-illumination – a way of shedding light into one’s own inner shadow.
On this day of the winter solstice, I invite you to join me in lighting a candle and taking a brief moment to attune with your inner fire and reconnect with your inner strength, whatever that means for you.
A place to start might be by expressing what you truly feel grateful for. Maybe this even includes expressing your gratitude to those who have challenged you the most. Maybe this even includes your younger self.
To you who are reading this, and to everyone I have met in person this year – thank you for being here and for your support. I wish you a beautiful Winter solstice, a peaceful holiday season, and a meaningful new year.
With gratitude, Robin
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