The Light Effect: How Illumination Shapes Our Thoughts and Conversations
“Bioluminescence
The emission of light by living organisms, often found in deep-sea creatures, fireflies, and some fungi.”
Light is all around us, shaping our world, influencing our thoughts, and inspiring our conversations. It's interesting how, when we're surrounded by bright lights, we tend to talk about our external lives - our actions in the world.
But when we sit in the soft glow of a candle or sitting in circles around fires, we tend to open up about our emotions and inner thoughts. we become reflective and mesmerized by the light, rather than feeling uncomfortable, like the sensations you get in a place with bright fluorescent lights beating down on you.
It's like the light can help us create a different type of inner space, depending on the quality of the light itself.
Different types of light can have different effects on us. Blue light from electronic devices, for example, can mess with our sleep patterns.
But candles and fires have been around for centuries, associated with warmth, comfort, and relaxation.
Light has also been a powerful symbol in art and literature, representing everything from hope and inspiration to enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Yogis have long held that sunrise and sunset are particularly powerful times of day for spiritual practice and self-reflection. In the ancient Hindu tradition, these times are known as "sandhya" and are considered to be a sacred time for meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices.
According to Yogic philosophy, the period of time just before and after sunrise and sunset is called the "ambrosial hours" or "amrit vela," which is believed to be a particularly auspicious time for spiritual growth and self-awareness. This is because the energy of the universe is said to be in a state of balance at these times, making it easier to connect with our inner selves and the divine.
Additionally, sunrise and sunset are also believed to have physical benefits for our eyes. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, the early morning and early evening light is beneficial for our eyes because it is softer and less harsh than the bright light of midday. This softer light is believed to help strengthen our eyesight and reduce eye strain.
Overall, the idea that sunrise and sunset are important times for our eyes and spirits is a central concept in Yogic philosophy and has been practiced for centuries in many different cultures around the world.
Interestingly, I find sitting in darkness without electric light can spur creativity. Personally, I find my most innovative ideas at dawn or dusk, but not when I turn on the lights - then my mind shifts to projects, deadlines, and tasks at hand.
The shapes and shadows of my surroundings become concrete objects rather than mere hints, transforming into things that require action rather than simply serving as a backdrop for contemplation.
However, darkness can be both scary and comforting. For some people, the absence of light can trigger anxiety or fear, while for others, it can create a sense of peace and solitude.
For many many years, most of my life, I have turned off lights at night and just had many candles illuminating my space.
I don’t think I could even spend an evening without the glow of candles illuming my space and mind.
Light is a powerful force in our lives, shaping our thoughts, conversations, and experiences. Whether we're surrounded by bright lights or sitting in the dim glow of a candle, the type of light we're exposed to can have a real impact on our well-being.
From a spiritual perspective, light is often associated with divine energy and consciousness. Here are some ways to be mindful and thoughtful about light and its effect on us:
Recognize the spiritual significance of light and how it can connect us to the divine. Many spiritual practices involve meditation or prayer in the presence of light, such as candlelight or natural light.
Consider the quality of light in your surroundings and how it may affect your spiritual state. For example, dim or soft lighting can create a peaceful atmosphere, while harsh or bright lighting can be jarring or overwhelming.
Use light as a symbol of hope and positivity. In many spiritual traditions, light is associated with wisdom, guidance, and enlightenment. Focusing on light can help us feel more connected to our spiritual path and the greater universe.
Shine on beautiful you!
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