No Need to Contort Yourself

A young woman contorts her body under a desk. Her chin touches the floor and her body bends backwards so that it forms an arc with her feet also on the floor in front of her head.

Dear friends,

Yesterday was the first day of a writing class focused on liberating ourselves from the blocks that get in the way of our full and free expression, whether in writing or some other way. 

Last week I was hired to facilitate for a group that had to scrap the original agenda for a planned meeting and pivot quickly to tend to other needs that had arisen. With fewer than 24 hours between the request and the meeting, I had to scramble to get some things together; thankfully I have some well-honed tools and skills at the ready these days.  

As I was preparing to facilitate, I pulled out Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle. It has been awhile since I had picked up this trusted friend of a book. I came across this passage I had highlighted:

Jesus says, "You are the light of the world." I like even more what Jesus doesn't say. He does not say, "One day, if you are more perfect and try really hard, you'll be light." He doesn't say "If you play by the rules, cross your T's and dot your I's, then maybe you'll become light." No. He says, straight out, "You are light." It is the truth of who you are, waiting only for you to discover it... No need to contort yourself to be anything other than who you are.

Whatever your belief system, I hope you can lean into these words. You don't need to contort yourself, fit yourself into some box, follow a planned agenda that no longer serves you, or act the way someone else wants you to in order to claim your luminosity.

You are the light of the world. 

Period. No asterisk with exceptions. 

During the first writing class someone read aloud what they'd written during a 10-minute free writing time. The person's writing exposed pain and anger. Hearing their clear expression, even that of pain, was beautiful. Their light radiated through their honest and unfiltered sharing. 

You are the light of the world. 

Whether you are experiencing joy or sorrow, pain or comfort, anger or peace, you are light. My hope for you is that you see it. 

Shine, bright one, shine. 

~~~

If you struggle to access and see your own light, I hope you'll join me in March for a 4-week Nonviolent/Compassionate Communication class. This practice has helped me reconnect to my own light and to express myself with authenticity; I've witnessed many others have similar experiences. This 4-week online class starts March 9. Whether it's a refresher or a first time with these skills, come join me! 

Another powerful way to connect with your own light is through Heart Portraits. These intuitive art pieces literally show you the beauty of your heart. They are perfect for marking special occasions, times of transition, and, really, anytime. 

You are the light of the world. 

With gratitude for the ways you shine, 
Cory

P.S. In response to the above, a friend sent me. Listening to it felt like being curled up in a warm blanket and I thought you might appreciate it, too.