Shine… so others may shine!!!
By Jo delAmor
"As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others."
- Mariane Williamson
This miraculous and mysterious truth continues to reveal itself to me on deeper and broader levels each day/month/year of my life. Once an abstract concept for me, it has now been woven into my experience by the beauty of all those in my life who shine so brilliantly and by the shine I have found in my very own heart.
It can be hard to shine. We've been taught to hide that which is different about us. We've been taught to be very careful not to be too bold or too daring. For fear of being perceived as arrogant, pushy, conceited or aggressive we mask our passions with insecurity and doubt. We often play it safe rather than playing it big.
And, because so many of us are hiding, it can be even more scary to take that step out into being really genuine, really excited, really alive. Talk about standing out like a sore thumb. At first we may receive very little support from our friends, family and peers for being unique and 'on fire'. Our joy, enthusiasm, passion, and inspiration may be perceived as a threat to the safety of their status quo. But as we learn to show our true selves with pure intention, we shine with a power that overcomes fear, doubt and resistance. The beauty and power of life is recognized by the spark of life in all those with whom we share our love.
"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present."
- Unknown
I have recently had the privilege to spend time among a community of people who shine with healing intention and a deep reverence for peace and unconditional love. The Cape Cod Dare' Community is a diverse group of genuine people who have, in one way or another, found their way out of our cultural uniformity to discover their own unique light.
Just two years ago, I came to them broken, sad and confused. They held me in their presence and loved me with open hearts as I healed and turned in my cocoon. They listened to me, appreciated me, encouraged me and shared with me. During this time, I also had the unique opportunity to attend the Institute for Integrative Nutrition among highly effective, healthy people who are loving life and living it fully through inspiring others and helping them heal. In the shining presence of the individuals that make up these two communities I was given permission to find and my own shine again… bigger and brighter than ever.
The miracle and the mystery continue to unfold in deep grace as I experience this phenomenon working through me as well. The gift of shining presence that I received from these powerful communities gains strength with each moment honored. As I release resistance and fear and learn to shine more brightly, those around me are in turn given permission to do the same. The joy and freedom grow in all directions.
"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle,
and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared."
- Sutta Nipata
As I depart from this loving community after two fast, but rich, years I realize that as they have transformed and liberated me, so have I transformed and liberated them. I have had the honor to inspire many members of this community as a woman growing in genuine reflection, a mom learning to nurture her daughter well, a co-parent honoring a deepening relationship with her former husband, a lover of health and the food that supports it, and as a Holistic Health Counselor. Many of my clients have been members of the Dare' community and have transformed, healed and found their own brilliant lights through the work we've done together. I consider this to be a great affirmation and testament to the miracle that grows among us as we find our unique genius and let it shine out. This mutual healing process feels to me like real life…like the human experience at its best…like the destiny we are living into.
"Life has no limit if you're not afraid to get in it."
- Mason Jennings