Finding the light within
Have you ever wondered what enlightenment truly is? It often feels like a lofty, unattainable mission, but I believe it is far more accessible than we think. From the day we are born, we are already on our journey of self-discovery, uncovering the light within.
In my experience, enlightenment is about becoming lighter—shedding old fears, releasing attachments to the past, embracing forgiveness, and stepping fully into the present moment. It is about recognising the light that already exists within us and honouring our interconnectedness and oneness with the universe and each other.
Enlightenment invites us to be open and authentic, to honour our truth, our true nature, and our personality, and to share our unique gifts with the world. At its core, it is about connection, not separation.
I am certainly not free from all fears and attachments—life continually reveals new layers to work through. Practising peace within has become a part of my lifestyle, helping me become more conscious and aware, and embracing challenges as opportunities to heal and grow. Practices like meditation, breathing techniques, and healing have helped me shine light on areas of my life that no longer serve me, to continually grow and become the best version of myself.
As we grow and evolve, we create the space to help others do the same. We need one another—to shine light on areas for improvement, to inspire growth, and to reflect the light within each other with love, compassion, and understanding.
We all want to be seen. So, shine your light brightly, and in doing so, help others see the light within themselves.
I have always loved breaking down words to find deeper meaning and understanding and found this exercise very insightful.
En-Light-En-Ment
En
Origin: From Old French and Latin in- meaning "in" or "into."
Spiritual Meaning: A call to go inward, to turn your attention inward and explore the self. A deepening of the inward journey, integrating the light or awareness gained.
Symbolism: Represents the starting point of the journey, an inward dive to find truth and peace. Suggests embodying light and letting it transform your inner and outer world.
Light
Origin: Derived from Old English leoht and Proto-Germanic leukhtam, meaning brightness or illumination.
Spiritual Meaning: Symbolises wisdom, clarity, and awakening. Light dispels darkness, much like knowledge and self-awareness dispel ignorance.
Symbolism: Represents the guiding force of awareness and understanding that illuminates our path.
Ment
Origin: From Latin -mentum, a suffix indicating an action, process, or resulting state.
Spiritual Meaning: Represents the culmination or state of being. In this case, the state of enlightenment—a peaceful, awakened existence.
Symbolism: Points to the realisation or embodiment of lightness and wisdom, leading to lasting contentment.
To go inward, discover the light within, embody its wisdom, and live in a state of illuminated peace and contentment.
Steps Towards Feeling Lighter (Enlightenment)
Let Go of Fear and Attachment
o Identify one fear or limiting belief holding you back.
o Reflect on its source and gently practice releasing it by focusing on the present moment.
Be Present
o Practice mindfulness: Take a few moments to focus on your breath or surroundings.
o Bring your full attention to everyday activities like walking, eating, or listening.
Accept Yourself and Others
o Embrace your true nature, including your strengths and imperfections.
o Extend the same acceptance to others, seeing them as part of the same interconnected whole.
Focus on Connection, Not Separation
o Reach out to someone —whether through a kind word, a smile, or a small act of service.
o Reflect on how your actions, no matter how small, contribute to the greater whole.
Practice Gratitude
o Begin or end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for.
o Let this practice shift your focus to abundance and interconnectedness.
Be Open to Growth
o Stay curious and willing to learn from every experience, even challenges.
o Remind yourself that life’s lessons are stepping stones toward greater awareness.
Share Your Gifts
o Identify something you love or are good at and share it—whether through art, kindness, or simply being a good listener.
o Celebrate your unique role in contributing to the world.
Pause and Reflect
o Spend 5–10 minutes in quiet reflection, journaling, or meditation.
o Ask yourself, “What did I learn today? How can I bring more lightness into my life tomorrow?”
Cultivate Compassion
o Practice seeing the world through others’ eyes.
o Offer kindness to yourself and others, even in small, subtle ways.
Live Authentically
o Align your actions with your values and inner truth.
o Let go of the need for approval and embrace the freedom of being yourself.
Enlightenment is not a single destination but a journey. Celebrate small moments of growth.
Progress is not linear. Embrace setbacks as part of the process.
Find joy in each step, knowing that enlightenment is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
By incorporating even a few of these steps, you can begin to lighten your heart, deepen your awareness, and move closer to becoming lighter in practical, and meaningful ways.