I was working with a group the other day, and we were talking about the principle of wanting for our brothers and sisters what we want for ourselves. One of the people shared that she needed more help with wanting for herself what she wants for her brothers and sisters. Her tendency was to assume that others were valuable and deserving, and not consider this possibility for herself.
I could relate.
On Wednesday’s Journey Home class, Nura Laird gave a fabulous presentation in which she spoke about the principle of mirrors – how everything we see is from us, for us, and is us.
We most often speak of this concept with regards to things we don’t like about others, and how this can mirror something inside ourselves that we need to clean.
But what about when we see the light in others? Maybe we don’t recognize there is a trigger because the assumption that “the light is in others but not in me” is so integrated into the belief system. It’s just what is, like the sky is blue and the grass is green.
On one hand, this could be a humble and honorable trait – to see the light in others with acceptance and not comparison. This can be an indication of certainty and security of the light God put in you.
On the other hand, if there is a subtle belief that is holding you back from believing in yourself or keeping you from responding to the inner spark that is yearning to be lit, then you can apply the mirror principle here, too.
God put light into each of us – the ones out there and the one in you, too. If you see it in others, know that what you see is from you, for you and it is you.
To see the face of God in every human being, we must also see the face of God in ourselves. Our guide, Sidi Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal has written a whole book called He Who Knows Himself Knows His Lord. The Light and all of the secrets are inside you.
If you can relate to this challenge of seeing the light in others without regard for yourself, and you feel there is a spark inside that is being ignored, here’s an invitation for you:
- Look into your mirror and ask God to help you see His light within you.
- Know that this light is from you, for you, and it is you. It’s not about you – what you’ve done or not done to deserve it. It is about what God makes, and nothing we do can change God’s light.
- Take a minute to write a gratitude list. In this list, write “I thank You for ___________.” Fill in the blanks with each glimmer of light you see or feel, even if it’s an inkling of a spark that wants to be lit. For example, your eyes are the window to your soul. Notice the light that shines through your eyes. Then you might write, “I thank You for the light that shines through my eyes, no matter how I feel today.”
- Set your intention to spend the day in gratitude for the gifts God made in you.
- Allow each breath you breathe for the day to fan the flame of that spark inside, and allow it to dance in your heart.
Believe it or not, doing this for yourself will help bring more peace to the world.
You are welcome to listen to the recording of Nura’s Journey Home class. There is no cost.
These classes are a gift for you. Just click here to get access to the recording.
With love and gratitude for you and your light,
Mastura Graugnard on behalf of all your friends and family at UOS
