What Are You Doing to be a Light in Your World?

[Uma]

Once attaining some degree of spiritual awareness, the next step is to put it into practice, isn't it? What are you doing to be a light in your world? Or, if you're too shy....share what someone you admire is doing... Let's inspire one another.





Words of inspiration by Sri Vasudeva (2003):

In the various roles we play every day we influence others as we interact with them. Wherever we meet and spend time with others, be it at home, work or other places, we sometimes find ourselves called upon to lead or guide others. Some may even follow our example without us being conscious of it. It is natural for those of us who are strong in vision and drive to influence others without even trying. In this regard, we need to have a great sense of responsibility.

Those of us who find ourselves in leadership positions of any kind need to have a positive influence on those around us. So that our society may progress, we need to have leaders who have a sense of responsibility and are true to their role. I believe that the greatest leaders are those who embody their message. Whatever someone teaches must be integrated in his or her own being and lifestyle. When we lead we must be the example of what we ask others to be or do. When this happens, teaching or leading feels effortless. We teach more by who we are than what we say. The messenger must become the message.

If we embody the principles we speak about we will inspire others just by our example. Our mere presence will create uplift. Parents influence their children by their habits and lifestyle in a very powerful way. Teachers in our schools influence students by their own love and passion for subjects that they teach. Community leaders motivate us when their actions are consistent with their speech. Our employers bring out the best within us when they display integrity, honesty and caring. When those of us who are leading become the example of what we expect others to be, we find it easier to achieve great results.

Whatever role we play in leading or guiding others let us be a good example. Let us not expect others to be what we are not. Let us first embody the principles or qualities we ask others to embrace. Many leaders are incapable of inspiring change because of their own shortcomings. We need powerful leaders who can motivate us by their own passion, discipline and integrity. A powerful leader can inspire great change by virtue of being the example. ‘“Action speaks louder than words’” we are told.

Let us be the example of what we want others to be. Let us not ask others to change unless we do. Wherever we influence others, at the workplace, home or community, let us be a light. Let us be strong that we may help those who are weak. Let us do everything we can to drive away the darkness of pain, misery and suffering in our world. Let us work to create a better world for all to live in. Let us do it by working together. Those of us who are strong, let us extend a helping hand to those are struggling that we may all walk joyfully together on this journey of life.

[psychoslice]

Just being truly who i am.

[Verunia]

Such an awesome post, thanks Uma. That picture of Mother Teresa really tugged at something deep inside of me.

What have I done? I don't know.. I'm still young. Sometimes I feel like there's not much I can do. To me though if I can connect with someone and spread my message for just a moment and see that spark in someone's eyes, or when I say something in front of my classmates that really makes people think about what they're saying or feeling, I feel like I have accomplished something. This site has been a great asset to me in helping people... And also meeting some people that have helped me more than I could possibly ever give back.

Just giving, and living how I truly feel is all I can do for now..

Nice post!
Being light is sharing your light whenever possible. A smile in a supermarket can light a thousand lights, a contribution to a food bank can light a thousand lights in a community...it only takes a spark to ignite a huge fire. Share the warmth whenever and wherever you can in the here and now and in the spirit. This post itself has warmed me!

nightowl

[Roselove]

hiding, I've already been "light to the world" all my life. I'm on vacation, but afterwards I love to pick up those who are down, defend those that can't defend themselves and of course help those esp childern that are helpless. I think we have a moral obligation to help those in need.

[Shabda]

when im angry, i shut my mouth and smile instead, when im asked for help , advice or guidance, i try with all my heart to provide it...i engage in 1 small random act of kindness/giving each day...and i give Love in anay new way that i can find to do...

[God-Like]

Yer good thread Uma

It's old hat time again.

But I truly believe that If an Individual allows there Inner light Or Inner flame to shine and burn firstly then others In our so called world will benefit from that almost certainly. Yes Indeedy. Halleluyah!!

x daz x

[athribiristan]

I don't DO anything. I AM a light in the world. Its who I am, I can't not be a light in the darkness. Its like they say; once you open your eyes, you can't shut them again. There is no going back so I go forward like a bolt of lightning; unrestrainable, powerful, and awesome.

I actually tried hiding for many years. I just wanted to hang out and worry about my own path. I've found though that it just wasn't possible. The universe has a way of running you into brick walls if you don't pay attention to what its trying to tell you, and it started telling me that sitting on the sidelines was not an option for me. I've never been one to ignore the universe so I came out of my shell and started shining.

I guess you could point to various physical behaviors as manifestations of this. I smile at people, I give real hugs filled with Love, I try to help people find happiness but none of these are things that I go out of my way to DO. These are all reflections of who I am, they happen without effort and without thought of getting results.

i am starting an ashram for Ma Devi. i am no good at it and might not succeed but some others might benefit at least. generally i find it difficult to do much out of just love of surrender. gandhiji said we must be the change we wish to change in the world.
your servant
Mata Das

People tend to sound a bit redundant when they are struggling with their own emotional issues.