When we light a candle, sometimes the flame burns bright and strong and casts a beautiful glow around a room. Other times, a soft breeze is just enough to cause the flame to flicker or even go out.
Every day, strangers, acquaintances, and those we love dearly cross our paths in one form or another. What if we chose to view these strangers, acquaintances, co-workers, spouses or partners, and children as lights instead?
When using the candle visualization, it allows our perception of each person to change slightly, and perhaps in a more empathetic manner.
Some lights in this world may be burning brightly. These are the people that are in a good place. In this moment, their flame is strong.
Other lights may be flickering or dimming. These are the people that are facing challenges, but are doing their best to overcome them.
Sadly, other lights may have completely gone out. These are the people who are burdened, struggling, and have potentially surrendered to the challenges of life.
Each of these lights (or people) we encounter, depending on the brightness of their flame, need us to interact with them accordingly. While we can’t always know for certain if a flame is dimming or has gone out, we can ask one question that allow us to learn more if we sense something is amiss.
How are you really?
This question will allow you to see whether this light seemingly lost hope that they will ever cast a beautiful glow around a room or into the world. Really listen to the answer. Sometimes that’s all a light needs to reignite. Provide encouragement. Tell them you believe in them. Give them hope. Offer to connect them with a professional who can help if necessary.
When lighting candles on a birthday cake, sometimes we use a candle that is already lit to light the other candles. In this case, using your flame to light another’s may just save a moment, a day, or even a life.
Be that candle.
“You are the light of the world when your compassion radiates and pervades the world.” –Amit Ray
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed professional.
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach based in Omaha, Nebraska, who specializes in helping her clients both locally and nationwide to move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit her at crossthebridgecoaching.com.
