The screens we often use – cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more – fill our lives with artificial light. That light is sometimes useful (when it helps us work, for instance) and sometimes harmful (such as when it prevents us from sleeping well). But there’s a natural light that can benefit us anytime we pay attention to it: the light that exists within each of us. Humans are light beings. Thanks to that incredible truth, we can learn how to shine our lights to spread well-being.
While people don’t appear to glow, every cell in the human body emits light called biophotons, and may use light to communicate. Human DNA receives and transmits light. Every person has his or her own aura – a personal electromagnetic energy field – that shows up in the form of light, and can be photographed at certain frequencies. At our essence, each of us is made up of light energy.
Every one of us has a light to shine – and we do so by being fully present. Paying full attention to what’s happening around us happens best by turning off the artificial lights of our screens during regular breaks. Since cell phones, especially, can distract us from what’s happening around us and even disrupt the natural flow of energy around us, it’s vital to unplug and recharge regularly. When we turn off our screens, we can focus on fueling our natural lights – from eating healthy food (like fruits and vegetables) that contain biophotons from sunlight, to seeking spiritual enlightenment from prayer and meditation.
When we’ve taken good care of our lights by recharging them, they can shine brightly to help others who need encouragement and kindness. All of us know some people who are going through dark times, and could use encouraging words or help with something they need. Who can you think of right now who’s going through a dark situation: someone who’s sick, injured, grieving, addicted, in conflict, in debt, frustrated, disappointed, confused, etc.? Several friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors likely come to mind.
Take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own light. Is it currently clear and bright? Or has it been obscured or dimmed lately? Have you been letting your shine toward others lately? Or have you held back from doing so?
If your light could be brighter, what are a few steps you can take to start charging your light more every day? If you haven’t shone your light to others as much as you could, what are some ways you can start making a habit of doing so?
The answers to these questions will come to you when you consider them mindfully – when you’re fully present, not distracted by devices that give off artificial light, but tuned into the light that’s within you.
Keep in mind, as well, that your light will always be greater than the darkness you encounter. Light dispels darkness; darkness can’t dispel light. For example, if you enter a large room that’s dark and turn on a flashlight, you’ll see that even a small amount of light always shows up, even in a great amount of darkness. No matter how dark your circumstances may sometimes become, no amount of darkness can ever extinguish the light that’s within you.
So whenever you take breaks from your phone and other artificial light devices, remember that you have a powerful, natural light within you. Use the time you’re unplugging and recharging to fan the flames of that light by taking care of your own well-being and caring for the well-being of others. Letting your light shine isn’t just a nice thought; it’s something you can actually do!
Whitney Hopler works as Communications Director at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and writes the Wake Up to Wonder blog. She has served as a writer, editor, and website developer for leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). Connect with Whitney on Twitter and Facebook.