I read an interview of Nelson Mandela that inspired me in the face of the darkness and fear in the world that many of us are experiencing. The interviewer asked Nelson Mandela if he sunk into despair during his 27 years of imprisonment. He replied that he wasn’t “despairing,” but rather, he was “preparing” for the days ahead. Despite the horrific cruelty, injustice, and indignity he suffered, Nelson Mandela found the capacity inside of himself to prepare the way to end apartheid and achieve what seemed impossible and hopeless.
His noble words reminded me of a song we used to sing in Catholic School called “ Prepare ye the way of the Lord,” ( which I think was from the musical Godspell). I imagined changing those words to “Prepare ye the way for love and light” to flow into our world. With all the polarization and anger in our world, you may feel a bit hopeless and doubt your love and light can make a difference.
I believe that each one of us can do what we can, where we can, when we can, to prepare the way for light and love to flow. You can start by asking yourself “Am I adding to the darkness and despair in the world by projecting scorn towards people I don’t agree with? If so, ask yourself How can I shift my energy to add to the light?
Preparing the way for light and love is about creating a pathway for it to flow. Whether that is in the neural pathways and thinking patterns in your mind, or a literal pathway in the world outside of you, you can start right now by being gentle with yourself or another, and then doing one kind thing for someone in your sphere of influence.
Light and Love are part of an eternal and infinite stream of energy, but we need to clear the roadblocks inside of us and outside of us, that are obstructing our ability to let if flow.
Do not despair. Do your part to prepare the way!
