The Light in Me Sees the Light in You.

The ancient Tantric yogis studied the stars and planets and related them to the human body and specifically to the energy channels in the body known as Nadis. They mapped the universe within our bodies and saw the universe and we were one – made of the same energy and intermingling. There was no separateness. Both shining bright with an inherent light and infinite potential.

This light still shines bright within us. But the journey of life, the self- limiting beliefs we place upon ourselves, as well as the limiting beliefs placed upon us by others, all cause our inner light to dim. We all know those stories – the ones we have taken on board that truly do us a disservice. The ones that stop shining brightly because it becomes easier to stay dull and therefore accepted. Australia in particular is re-knowned for its Tall Poppy Syndrome, although it can be found worldwide. As a nation we seem to derive a sense of justice by cutting down those who reach for the stars, who have a strong belief and confidence in themselves and dare to not only dream, but to chase those dreams. ‘Who do they think they are?’ we say. And we take this on board. To be different is considered risky, and those that shine brightly are different.

This phenomena though did not begin out like this. Cutting down ‘tall poppies’ was a way to bring those who thought themselves superior back down to size. Being an egalitarian culture for the most part, Australians don’t like those who act superior, who think they are better or more important purely because of their wealth or success or power status. And so deriding those who acted in this manner was one way to remind them they were no better than others. While this syndrome may have started off with the best intentions, its meaning has been corrupted, and it is now used to bring down those who have succeeded outside the mainstream norm. Instead of promoting egalitarianism, mediocrity has become the aspiration. To shine brightly and to use whatever unique talents you may have, and to live the life you truly want, is considered almost unpatriotic. Instead of feel inspired, many just feel resentful and envious of those living a life they may themselves desire.

I see this dimming of the light in my child, and to be honest, it scares the hell out of me as well as saddening me deeply. I watched him the other night, this teenage boy navigating his way through the world, and there was a moment when his light shone brightly. He had been playing the drums for the first time and it was obvious that not only does he have natural ability but that it touched a deep well of joy inside him. But by his own admission, the feeling it generated scared him. To such an extent that he won’t try again. He likes to fly under the radar, to stay small so he doesn’t get noticed. He knows, this geeky man-child of mine, that if he shines too brightly he will become a target. And so he chooses mediocrity.

In what ways would the world be different if we all allowed ourselves to feel true joy and lived from a place of authenticity? What is it about our society that makes so many of us afraid to be a little different, to reach for the stars, to do work and activities that spark up our inner Divine and give our lives true, aligned purpose?  I understand we all have responsibilities, families and bills to pay, but why do these – regardless of whether they are financial or familial – require us to shut down a part of ourselves? How many of us have a secret passion or desire which we shelved many years ago maybe because we were told, or believed, we weren’t good at it? What does being “good” at something have to do with joy? If we love to paint, if it makes us happy, then do it I say. What does it matter if the finished work looks like it was painted by a two year old. If it inspires us, makes us feel whole, then I believe it is something we should pursue whenever we can.

Perhaps this goes deeper than just being about the plain practicalities of life. Perhaps this belief that we can’t live in our light comes to us through societal and cultural norms that have been placed upon us throughout the years by our political system. The driving forces behind our economic and political system require us to be governable. If we are all living from a place of light and love, then we are much less susceptible to the messages of fear and greed that are fed to us on a daily basis. Perhaps the desire to cut down those who are living seemingly successful lives has more to do with internalised feelings of lack, and the realisation (whether embodied or not) that we aren’t living to our full potential. We realise we’ve bought the story we’ve been told, and so resent those who haven’t. It has little to do with any true desire for egalitarianism. We will often attack that which we ourselves desire but are too afraid of pursuing.

So my question is this. Are we going to allow ourselves to be dimmed so we fit in? Are we going to allow ourselves be controlled in order to perpetuate a particular political and economic agenda? Or are we going to tap in to our inner light, our inner source that has always been within us? I ask that we question ourselves. To remember what it is we have always truly desired, what makes us feel whole, and what gives us an unbounded sense of joy. And then do it. Face the fears this leap makes. Face up to our shadows, our limiting beliefs and then allow our light to shine. This world needs more of us to live in alignment with our true selves and to live in love instead of fear. For it is only change within the individual that will see change occur on a larger scale. As Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

Cassandra Pickel is an Australian based yoga teacher, whose aim is to teach and inspire others to live life to its fullest potential through mindfulness practices. She has herself seen the transformational benefits of yoga having gone from being a once angry, discontented wild child to a much more chilled out and joyous being, and believes that everyone has the tools within themselves to create the life they truly desire. You can find her on her website www.innerpoweryogaaustralia.com, on Facebook (Inner Power Yoga Australia), or on Instagram (casssomewhere).

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