Eyes Wide Open

Monday Motivation Newsletter #115

Happy Monday!

I hope you are well.

I’ll admit I was feeling uneasy this weekend - there’s a lot going on in the world. But this morning as I walked my girls to the bus stop, I felt a sense of hope. The rising sun felt warm on my face, as I noticed the frost melting on the lawns. I thought back to last week when the same sun was reflecting off the snow. The air was still cold but the sun was shining bright in the sky. Today, the chill was lessening. I could feel the warmth. And despite the groundhog seeing his shadow, today it seemed like everything was thawing. Perhaps Phil is losing his touch. Perhaps the promise of Spring is closer than we think.

Either way, the reminder remains true. Even from the coldest Winters, Spring returns. And even from the darkest nights, the sun does still rise.

But what do we do in the meantime?

My daughters are both going through a faze where they are afraid of the dark. I remember my own experience with it as well – that fear that something is lurking there, something that only comes out at night. Then yesterday my oldest daughter said, “When I’m in the dark, I try to open my eyes really wide.” I began to think about how opening your eyes wider lets more light in and enhances your vision. My thought was interrupted as she continued, “Yea, I’ll frighten away whatever is out there – because having your eyes open wide looks scary. So if there’s something out there, it’ll run away.”

Perhaps that’s something we all need to do right now.In those dark moments, instead of turning our eyes and our hearts away from the things that scare us, we open them up wider, not only so we can see but so that we can be seen.

Let all that truth and wisdom you’ve been cultivating shine bright. Maybe that is how we will frighten away the monsters. Be the light in the darkness. And let that light be love.

And if your light feels too dim right now, look to others. Be with friends, gather in ritual, or maybe just let the sun shine on your face for an extra minute or two. Breathe it in and feel its warmth. You may notice the ice cold around you starting to thaw. Let it bring you hope. Perhaps afterward you’ll find your eyes too are open a little bit wider.

Here’s a guided meditation to help you brighten that light within. May it be a comfort when you need it.

I hope you have a good week, my friend.

Be well.

Bye for now. ❤️