What the Light Does

The autumn equinox was Tuesday, so we are in the time of year that gives us more darkness than light each day. And even though summer ending and the light going away can be a somber prospect, there are beautiful things happening right now, too. Things the light does.

For example, a September sunrise can look like the photo above. Maxfield Parrish–style skies aren't as common at other times of year. It might have something to do with the angle of the light, because this is also the season when the crystal prism in the upstairs window creates the most rainbows:

For many people, even those of us who love fall, this time of year can be challenging. It can seem like life gets dimmer when the light is going away.

But even though there are fewer minutes of daylight than there were last month, the light we have is doing a beautiful job. It's lighting up the same things but from a different angle. And that makes the same sky, the same wall look different. Do you notice this, too?

There's a quote often attributed to William Butler Yeats (but actually from Eden Phillpotts) that came to mind today: "The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." If I hadn't looked out the window, I would have missed that beautiful sky. If I hadn't been paying attention, I wouldn't have seen those rainbows on the wall. I wouldn't have noticed that the angle of the light had changed and was making magic.

I share that quote in my Everyday Self-Compassion program because I know that what is true of the universe is true for each of us: You are full of magical things, too. You just can't always see them ~ often because self-judgment clouds your vision.

For the past several months, I've been looking at my work from a different angle. Because I haven't taught Everyday Self-Compassion since early this year, I've had space to more clearly see what it's about, what it does, and who it has helped. Part of that time was spent re-reading messages I've received from students over the years, and they reminded me of how this program truly does transform people's lives. One student even said that it was "magical."

It's hard for me to fully let that in ~ I've tended to downplay it. I guess I am so allergic to artificial hype that I may overcompensate by not fully sharing what actually happens in my programs.

But I've realized that downplaying those things isn't helping anyone. I mean, you're probably here because you want to actually be kinder to yourself in real life (not just read about it and understand it as a concept). And that's what my programs help you do! So, my experiment this fall is being more direct and vivid in how I communicate about what I offer.

I also want to thank you for being here, in this community of students and readers. Whether you've been here for years or just found out about my work, I appreciate you!

I hope the changing angle of the light helps you find something beautiful today ❤️

Do you know someone who could use a reminder that they are full of magical things? Feel free to pass this along to them.