The light spread, suddenly. It took many years though for a full appreciation. It began from above and behind as a warm, luminous glow with occasional hazy, humid patches, ultimately graduating to a few silky, white clouds surrounded by seas of brightening blue and the mellifluous bird calls and whistles that accompany good weather. Once the peaceful elements settled in comfortably, the serenity of the sun and sky surrounded all sides like a circle of big fluffy cat tails, creating a pleasant patch of hopeful confidence from where all horizons presented the same promising, ethereal shining closing in not only from all directions, but each distant ray of sun also reaching its radiant fingers overhead in search of its fellow celebrants.
A look at the ground revealed green grass and gentle, rolling hills as far as one could see. On sturdy legs I quickly navigated the solid, narrow path that pledged to keep me safe avoiding hazards and treachery lurking in the infrequent shadows that appeared more flirtatious than dangerous, threatening no more than a slight setback or delay. A veridical rolling righteousness I thought would endlessly carry me through the pastoral countryside of my blissful existence.
It is hard to ignore these blessings intent on soothing the senses - the surrounding harmonious resplendence from above and beyond, and the hypnotic, softly-swaying rhythm from below; it leaves me comfortable and complacent.
A look at my thoughts revealed room for expansion; an opportunity to learn and grow; a chance to explore the shadows and escape the quiescence. I immersed myself in poetry, and literature, and history, and philosophy, and music, and spirituality. I learned to doubt and to ask lots of questions. I found answers that led to more questions that led to more doubt that led to more searching. I found complexity that simplified, and I intuited an unreachable depth that goes on forever. I embraced Dark to better know Light. I discovered the value of work, and I rediscovered the value of Goodness. And once or twice I found an inner peace that validated pain and adversity.
Today, a look into my center reveals active hope tempered by reality. I must acknowledge the current sunshine, warmth, brightening sky, narrow path, and lambency from above, and I must respond by increasing my efforts. I must continue to learn and grow. Thus far I have explored the shadows and I have a newfound urgency; and I feel comfort transitioning to productive vexation. I intend for this journey to grow more arduous. I intend to expand uncertainty which (in theory) will push me to continue searching ...