Sparks fly when we are connected to the universe in such a way that no matter what’s happening, we know we’ll be okay in the end. This seems to be a statement that will have people disputing it. Especially when the world feels upside down to many. But, it is true. The lived experience of hope and faith promise us a balanced life.
With the light of a single candle, we can see through the dark. With the spark of a single idea, we can completely change our lives. In times of total emotional darkness, a spark of hope can carry us out into the light. When we are at our saddest, a spark of a loving kindness can hold us to the promise of love for tomorrow.
Sparks
When we’re in love, we hear the phrase, “sparks fly” between the couple. If a couple has been married for decades, they are often asked how they made it work for so long. Some say, “We have always had a spark for each other”. A fire within to keep that light burning. Passion. Ideas. Excitement. Novelty. Determination. Intention. All forged in the sparks of our emotional attachment to a life well lived.
We are experiencing some dark times right now. The social media would have us all believe that we are doomed. They are using fear to keep us glued to our technology. Manipulators want us to be afraid of “the other” as if there is not a spark of light in the dark OR, a spark of darkness in the light.
Shadows
On the sunniest of days, it is the shadow and reflections that spark our interest in the brightness of our world. I saw a mesmerizing image of a perfectly still lake in all it’s lovely calmness. As I was appreciating it’s aesthetics, I realized that it was not the utter calm that sparked my interest, but the tiny ripple just one small bug made that sent a lazy rolling shadow into the reflection that created the feeling of peace.
I am taking this time of being socially isolated from all to reflect on how I interpret positive psychology. How does one who has experienced hurt to hardship utilize the concepts we have implemented to our advantage? How do we live an optimal life of joy; clarity; nuanced happiness, and love, when there is so much anger right now? It feels, wrong. It feels like we should do … more.
I for one, find it easier to self-regulate back to a balanced life when I am giving myself permission to have moments of negative emotions. The balance feels more human than always expecting happiness. We have gone astray with preaching and teaching that to feel sad, or mad, or even enraged, that we somehow are no longer aligned with the universal feeling of joy. That’s not true.
Two sides with a spark of reality as our center are the light that casts shadows which in turn, brings us back to balance.
In Peace and Light,
K
Author: Karen Henry has a masters in community psychology and an advanced graduate certificate in mental health counseling. She is the author of Indelible Women and the ReWrite series. She’s a private practitioner and researcher in the United States. Henry Healing dot com is her calling card.
“We Are The Positive Psychology People”