Have you read the classic book or seen the movie “A Wrinkle in Time” yet?
I loved the book as a kid. I must have read it a half dozen times. I was fascinated with the magic, the bizarre characters, but most of all, the theme: the Light vs. the Dark – Light conquering the darkness. When the movie came out a few years ago, I went twice, and recently during Covid-19 shelter-in-place, watched it again with my 17-year-old daughter. She was a tad freaked out by it all, but I love this movie. Fear is a bit rampant with our youth these days, and that is unbelievably sad. I hate that my daughter has to experience C-19 and the conflict arising from it. This movie is a perfect watch for this rather dark time in history. We are all hoping the Light will cancel out political and social darkness, and Love will fill our world, conquering the hatred that is showing up on our streets. It made for a good family dialogue about how we can better interact with each other and our daily encounters.
While most of us live our lives by the motto, “Love will save the day,” this can’t just be a quote we post to our social media status. We must teach it to our children and each other again and again. As a yoga teacher, I have been using the LOVE word a lot in my classes. This word makes some people feel squeamish; sometimes, there is a crack in my voice when I say it with heartfelt expression. I have been talking about the darkness symbolically when there seems to be so much all around us. But here’s the thing: we all have to believe it, think it, practice it! Especially now, when we seem to be experiencing a literal wrinkle in time, with all the political strangeness and social unrest happening.
So how can you live by this mantra of overcoming darkness with Light?
How can Love heal our world?
First, when you see darkness coming in, acknowledge it. Maybe you interacted with a mean person or had a horrible experience with a business. Say, okay, well, that was unpleasant, then move on. How? Change the story in your mind literally. Head out to the garden with your shears, spend time with your kids, make a batch of cookies, grab a Kombucha at the store, watch an online yoga video, listen to an educational podcast, call a friend – whatever brings you back into the Light, do it! Keep reaching for the goodness, a better vibration. We are vibrational beings – remember that. Hang out with the people, places, and things that are feel good to you. The law of attraction will bring you all sorts of life experiences but when you have a choice, choose “feel good” ones, even if it is merely a piece of cherry pie.
I have a dear friend group called the Yoga Lunch Ladies. Of course, we are all serious yogis but discovered after numerous classes together, we have so much in common, especially cooking, gardening, and traveling. Our friendship has evolved from monthly backyard lunches into themed dinners w/ our spouses every quarter – everyone pitches by making a special craft cocktail or unique and yummy side dish or a deliciously decadent dessert. We pull out all the stops and spoil each other to the max. These encounters bring me such JOY. I love these ladies. When the going gets tough, and darkness seems to take over, I think of these gals, I switch my focus to something I can control. I encourage you to seek the things that make you feel joyful – to see the Light.
Next, I can’t stress enough the importance of self-care. We often overlook the basics – good sleep, healthy eating, ample exercise, social connection, time in nature, faith in something higher than ourselves, and whatever brings us: Santosha “peace.” By prioritizing these simple things, we become less vulnerable, less likely to attack, react, or fall apart. Of course, you can add to the positive-vibe list with yoga, meditation, massage, playing with your furry friends, and hugging a loved one (oh yeah, that releases oxytocin – the powerful love hormone.) Try to strike a balance with watching the news, too. It can be a high drama addiction that kicks up stress hormones making you more vulnerable to the pit of doom and gloom. It’s great to be informed – just don’t be consumed by the chaos in the world. Also – a glass of wine or two is okay, but please do not self soothe in this way, and if you do, reach out for help. I know the days and nights are long lately, but try to establish healthy routines that support your well-being.
Lastly, don’t run from conflict. If you having a difficult conversation with someone is inevitable, have the courage to say we love each other enough to hear one another out. Try to show compassion even when the conversation gets heated. Remind the other that the relationship is paramount. Consider the other person’s perspective. Listen more. Maybe you still find yourselves on opposite sides of the fence, that’s cool, as it seems to be the norm these days. However, some sort of resolution or at least chipping away at the issue is much better than carrying around that internal strife. If you need to take a break from this person or issue, grant yourself this privilege. If the conversation ended worse than it started, it is okay to say goodbye for a while. Know when to take a break. Time has a way of healing many things.
Just remember you don’t need the help of magical creatures or celestial beings or even Oprah Winfrey. You have the power to step into the Light. You have the choice to love more than hate. You alone can heal the world even if it starts with your bubble. Feeling good is contagious. Come home to your family with good energy. Some days are challenging; we all have them, but when the great ones come along, celebrate them. Make a difference in your world. Here’s the thing; we are all connected in this peculiar, if not perfect, “wrinkle in time.” We are a web of collective consciousness, like molecules bouncing off one another all the time. Think about it! You can get through this darker time. We can do it together. Big Love Always.
By Cindy Walker
September 8, 2020
Leave a Reply