"Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

When I openly spoke to people around me, about things I'm interested in that were “weird” like healing or meditation or study of Vedanta or whatever….it seemed like another kind of coming out.

It was a time when even in India “yoga” was not a household word among those upper crust western educated people. The dynamics with everyone around me changed–deepened, actually; I found people who had earlier confided their everyday secrets to me, now began to ask for advice or talk about spiritual matters.

I found those who I thought were superficial, to be so deep. Truly, it's a matter of mirrors when in the world of ego.

Even now, in different venues, there's a need for coming out; for shining the light or dimming it. One learns to modulate it, as some could get burned.

And when I read Mercale's tale :” I realized that the time of “lightworking from the shadows” was over and I was just going to have to suck it up, be brave, and try to get back to doing what I should have been doing all along. “ 

I felt it's time for us all to share: have you begin to shine your light among friends, relatives, co-workers, family, online groups, anywhere, everywhere, nowhere?

Let's share…

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

I suppose my light began to shine about 3  monthes ago.
I had this idea that my light could not be kept flickering inside me anymore. I decided it was time to remind everyone that I knew how truly beautiful they were, regardless of what they've done or who the “world” precieves them to be.

I've recently started a meditation group with some friends and like what meenakshi was saying. I found the most superficial people grasping for some concept of spirituality. I am almost totally open with people about my own spirituality. And I am glad to be one that they turn to for an ear and a shoulder and some guidence. I don't know how much my opinion is worth.. but I'm glad people value it.
 
I want everyone to feel like I do. To remember the possibilities and let their light shine through the darkness. I want them to remember how truly amazing they all are, and what things they can achieve. I want them to all know that I love them and care deeply for their feelings.


I so hope you all do, in fact as gaians I know you do. I've said it once and a million times. You are all beautiful. Even though we are miles away I can feel you light shining through! Keep lighting the way to a better world!!!

<3 light and peace,
Ashley

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

What a diffult question this is!!! When indeed!?!

15 years ago, I injured my leg while walking to school (I was looking at some trees and a beautiful and empty golf course and walked right into a firehydrant, injuring my knee on one of the protrusions, Lol) later on, in study hall, my knee was throbbing disagreeably and hurting more all the time. I found myself absentmindedly moving my hand in patterns around the injured area, *pretending* to draw out the hurt.

I felt a little silly. It reminded me of a time when I was MUCH younger (toddler? at most 5) when I had done the same thing. I remembered the face of a cheif and medicine man that had superimposed itself over the moment then, and loomed so large to the child-me. I felt silly, but it connected me to an interesting moment in my past, and the sensation was new to me so I continued my “play” in a little while my knee felt better, but my hand hurt.

 I had an deep need to touch metal. I touched the legs of the table. It helped somewhat. Then I felt a draw, a compulsion, to hold my hand under cold running water. I “knew” somehow it would make it feel better. As I got up to go do that a friend asked me where I was going, I told them what I was going to do, and when they asked why, I replied honestly, “I don't know. I just have to”

Later on, that friend asked me if I knew anything about “real magick” and loaned me a book, that eventually led to another book, which eventually led to Wicca. (I'll leave my feelings on that experience out here since they are posted on the “where do you worship?” thread”. 

When I performed my Dedication ritual, in addition to “cleansing and consecrating” my ritual tools, I felt spontaneously called to cleanse, and consecrate myself. So in addition to my formal “Dedication” I ritually cleansed and consecrated myself “In strength and service to the Light”. I asked to be Spirit's tool wherever it had need of me.

 It was scary to “give myself” wholly to the light , knowing that I was putting myself in a position to give up everything if Spirit required it of me. But it was an oath I felt called to give. I have always taken my committment seriously. Even though it was made very early in my understanding of many Truths, it was a deep soul felt oath, and I have always honored it.  I was “outed” as Wiccan fairly early, and suffered months of very real “persecution” by my family, who was convinced I was going to hell and dealt with me very harshly. 

However, I continued to be open about my beliefs, although, it was a matter I tried to keep quiet around my family for the sake of peace. In later years, I did some writing for spiritual publications, and started a group for other Pagans and spiritual seekers that lasted for several years until I had to let it go for personal/spiritual reasons.

 I started a new group a few years ago that is fairly similar, if broader in topic). I have taught classes, spoken out on religious rights and otherwise serve in whatever ways Spirit calls me (a bigger more recent example being when I was told I should plan an “Earth festival” focusing on ways to live in harmony with the earth which has over the years (and much to my joy) come to include more spiritual aspects as well.

 I really love this because these people who otherwise might never think outside of their religious “box” are having Sacred moments, and connecting wtih the Divine in a way that they otherwise might never be able to (when those connections were connected with “other” religions than thiers) We have had drum circles, meditation groups, and Eco friendly nuns leading multi-cultural (and multi-religious) Dances for Universal Peace.

 I feel very blessed to have been able to help Spirit manifest this work(and all others in which I have had a part), and continued to be humbled by the way in which it has grown.

So how did my light begin to shine? I don't know.. I think it was always shining, just waiting to be set free- for my Light within to lead me to the Light without. It's a continuing journey…

An imperfect process to be sure, but I sense an amazing outpouring on the horizon, if only i could budge this little door…   ; - )

In Great Love,
Mercale

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[moderator note- paragraph breaks added for reading ease - meenakshi 23 sept 08]

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

I don't really know.
What I did notice though that I kept meeting people who although I didn't know at the time, were like me.
I was given an 'angel on my shoulder' brooch and I had people ask me if I believed in angels.
And in my job (carer) I was sent to elderly who confided in me that they had seen their dead husband/wife/mother or/and talked to them. These same people told me I was the first one they had spoken to about this.
I have never hidden who I am or what I believe in unless it may frighten or offend someone. Even then, I do sometimes speak out if I feel I should.
Love mia xx

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

It's funny how the Universe always gives us what we need, even if it isn't always what we think we want…

I'm glad it led you to like minded friends and support for your growing gifts.    :)

Namaste~
Mercale

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

Really enjoying this shining!



If we can remember that we are all light; we won't ask to be shown the light and need to lower our vibrations to show it to each other. As charmingly shown in Neale David Walsh's The Little Soul and the Sun

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

I have been watching and reading…with interest I suppose so I just want to say thank you to all for sharing with such confidence, helps us new ones in the closet feel a little braver to come out of the dark…

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

Denim:

or perhaps



or

Re: "Coming out": How did your light begin to shine

What a beautiful picture Meenakshi!  Thank you for sharing. What a lovely thought to carry into my dailiy meditations.

Namaste~

Mercale