SPECTRUM OF LIGHT
WELCOME
Come explore the interplay of elements (Love, Inspiration, Grace, Healing and Trust) for increased health and wellbeing.
There is an interplay of elements that work together to strengthen mind, body, and spirit, in challenging times and all times. These elements not only lead to personal well-being, but when put into practice have potential to transform our world. That may seem an incredibility, but these transcendent elements have proven to lift the human spirit across the landscape of human history. We refer to them in the acronym L.I.G.H.T. Love, Inspiration, Grace, Healing and Trust. Today, research is demonstrating their worth. Regardless of where one stands among the perplexing issues we face, these timeless elements offer encouragement, cost only an investment of time, and open a pathway to personal growth, wellness, peace, resilience, and increased quality of life.
The website provides illumination across the spectrum these five elements address; whether it be building a strong immune system through healing lifestyle choices or the beneficial effects of service, kindness, and benevolence on mind, body, and spirit. It explores the connection between what research says and what Scripture says on these elements. Often these two sources are pitted against each other, when there may be points where they complement and harmonize, rather than sermonize. It’s intended to provide food for thought; to contemplate how ancient, transcendent wisdom may intersect with modern discoveries and research to inspire, enrich and uplift. This is not a comprehensive compendium of information on the L.I.G.H.T. elements, but an overview to provoke reflection on personal choices that are pivotal to meaningful lives and optimistic communities. This is a small endeavor to help people feel better in their daily lives and to create a ripple effect of those benefits across our communities. As light quietly awakens the landscape to a new day, it is hoped people will reach out to each other in ways that strengthen these elements and thereby spark a movement of L.I.G.H.T. that grows brighter and brighter to its zenith.
WHY
A growing number of people are experiencing stress, worry and anxiety.
Prior to the global pandemic, a Gallup Poll on Global Emotions (2018) indicated the world was at record levels of sadness and anger. Almost 40% of people said they experienced a lot of worry the day before, and in the US, 55% of adults surveyed said they were stressed, very close to Greece, which sat at the top of that list at 59%. Over 1 in 5 people report being angry. Unfortunately, these statistics are probably not surprising to most of us—mass shootings, political conflict, global unrest, lack of safety in our neighborhoods—are daily occurrences we’ve come to accept as the new normal.
There has also been an increase in deaths of despair (alcoholism and suicide are examples); 24 - 64 year-olds are dying earlier than previous decades–-we’re the only developed country with an increasing number of premature deaths (people dying prior to age 65). Statistic taken From Conversations on Healthcare, Dr. Steven Woolf: Distinguished Population Health Chair of Virginia Commonwealth University and Health Equity Director Emeritus and Senior Advisor at the V-C-U Director on Society and Health – Researchers on Social Epidemiology.
We are now living in what has been coined “unprecedented” times, caught in the grip of a global pandemic that has put the world on pause, unraveling economies, increasing anxiety, stress, and agitating civil unrest. We find ourselves sometimes confused by conflicting or inconsistent information. Sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, hurt, social isolation, and distress are burdens many are carrying in these difficult and challenging times. These burdens effect health and quality of life. Alongside these difficulties are opportunities for reflection, honing resiliency, and strengthening the spirit.
WISDOM
WISDOM: Soundness of an action with regard to the application of experience, knowledge and good judgment
Where is wisdom to be found in these uncertain and changing times? Perhaps in understanding that personal choice still directs the quality of our lives. This is a time of challenge, trial, and perseverance.
A small lesson from nature reminds us that beauty and joy may emerge from trying times. Consider the butterfly. It must persevere to break out of the small gap in its cocoon in order to be transformed from its life as a caterpillar. By maintaining focus on getting through the narrow gap, this challenging endeavor moves life-giving fluid from its body into its wings thereby enabling it to take flight. An observer may be tempted to simply cut the butterfly loose from its cocoon, freeing it from this time-consuming effort. However, without going through the process, its capacity to fly is thwarted.
This life will unfold on-going challenges. How we meet these challenges determines whether they become useful material from which we learn and grow.
Whatever our circumstances, myriad treasures of joy are strewn along the way. Will we see and appreciate them? This is part of walking with L.I.G.H.T. and choosing to live with joy. The wisdom attained from overcoming difficulty is a fountain of inspiration and encouragement to others.
C.S. Lewis observed: Joy is the serious business of heaven.
James 1: 2-3 reminds us: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
