Feed the Light
Photo Credit: Cristian Escobar
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
The Legend of the Two Wolves is a Native American Cherokee story that explains the foundational wisdom of the contrasting forces of light and dark energy in our world. A grandfather tells his grandson about the war raging within us through the metaphor of two wolves; one who is evil and the other who is good. The evil wolf embodies the dark energies of anger, jealousy, envy, and pride. The good wolf represents joy, peace, love, and hope. The grandson asks, “Which one will win?” And the grandfather answers, “The one you feed.”
I read The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer while living in Saudi Arabia. I was worried about my daughter, who was suffering from depression, a battle between light and dark in her mind. A dear friend loaned the book to me, hoping it would provide me with some wisdom and comfort. A minister of the Christian faith, Joyce Meyer writes about how you can focus your mind on positive thoughts using biblical references to convey her messages.
Two approaches to the same age-old question, which side will win? And then the next quandary, how? I believe we make the best decisions when they are rooted in love and a strong spiritual foundation. This is highly personal, but for Mister and me, it’s a unique weaving together of different traditions. We both follow a Christian perspective that is non-denominational and we both believe all roads of faith point to the same God. The key is to have a daily practice of feeding the light.
Mister and I start each morning with a routine of daily renewal to fuel our light tanks. It is a beautiful practice that grows light and dims darkness. We sit side by and drink coffee while listening to encouraging spiritual podcasts that lift our spirits. We release worry and negativity that has accumulated in our minds and set a positive tone for the day. Often we’re inspired to delve into deep conversations, sharing our thoughts and feelings about the messages.
You might object, thinking that’s all fine Lynda, but I’m busy. I don’t have time to sit around listening to podcasts every morning. It’s not about how long you take, it’s about the daily commitment. Maybe it’s just ten minutes each morning that you set aside before you start getting ready for the day, lying in bed in stillness and counting your blessings? Or before you turn out the light at the end of the day, you take five minutes to repeat a prayer or affirmations.
Another way to feed the light is through practicing virtues. Four pillars that guide my actions are integrity, character, determination, and honesty. Integrity and character guide us to choose good over evil. Being our word, following through with our commitments, being honest, and staying on course. Little white lies can become big because the wolf you feed is the one that wins.
Before I had this awareness, I didn’t give much thought to the importance of virtues. I made poor choices out of ignorance. I lied over stupid things and put my head in the sand. Fortunately for me, I’m lousy at lying and usually trip up. As a child, I couldn’t steal a penny candy on a dare, claim the dog ate my homework, or deny eating half of Mom’s caramel candy without being caught out. Mom says I was born without a mean bone in my body.
I thought my good intentions were enough to feed the good wolf and win, but I was wrong. My naïve nature had me believing my love could cause the light I saw inside my first husband to flourish and overcome the darkness that I also saw in him. I not only put myself in harm’s way, I endangered the safety of my children. I didn’t know how dangerous dark thoughts are. My children and I were almost undone when his thoughts led to atrocious actions.
I know that sometimes it can feel overwhelming, this need to always be on guard, to train our minds and our hearts towards feeding the light. Yet the consequences of allowing ourselves to slip into unconscious action are too great to compromise. It takes determination. You have to make up your mind and believe that it is possible. You have to summon all of your faith and look to a higher power for strength. It is hard. But the best things in life are often the hardest.
We have all been given the gift of free will. I encourage you, dear reader, to take this responsibility to heart. Feed the good wolf with every word and action. Work to overcome the forces of darkness and claim victory for light. One word, one act of loving kindness at a time.
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
· I am pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.
Reviews & Interviews:
· You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.
Events:
· There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.
YouTube Channel:
· Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.
· Watch The Holding trailer.
· Watch The Healing trailer.