Light Up Your Holidays From the Inside
-light-up-your-holidays-from-the-inside-400.jpg)
Co-creator of Perceptual Style Theory
During the holiday season, we surround ourselves with light. Candles glow in windows, decorations brighten our homes, and familiar traditions remind us of the warmth and connection we share with others. But there is another kind of light worth remembering during this season: the light we carry within ourselves.
Discovering the Light Within
I first encountered the concept of an inner light in Sunday school as a child. Matthew 5:14-16 says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
In graduate school I studied the works of Wilhelm Reich who stated that “Love, work, and knowledge are the wellsprings of life.” His belief was that these form the healthy core of all individuals and that the purpose of therapy is to remove the armor people develop to protect their “light” (i.e. core) from the external world. He stated that healthy functioning is about regaining the ability to express the three core impulses of life freely and appropriately.
Most recently in my yoga practice, as well as in Michael Singer’s book The Untethered Soul and other readings, I have repeatedly encountered the idea of opening one’s heart in order to free oneself from false attachments and allow the love within to shine.
Let Your Natural Strengths Shine
These different influences—spiritual teachings, psychological ideas, and philosophical reflections—have repeatedly brought me back to a belief that is central to my work with Perceptual Style Theory: each of us has natural strengths that are uniquely our own. I think of those strengths as part of our inner light. When we recognize them, appreciate them, and find meaningful ways to express them, we create opportunities for greater fulfillment and for contributing something valuable to the lives of others.
There’s no better time than the holiday season to discover or renew your awareness of your inner light, to let your inner light shine in all its unique beauty!
During the holiday hustle and bustle, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own inner light. What natural strengths bring you joy and meaning? How might you express those strengths more fully, not only during the holidays but throughout the coming year?
The light we share with others does not have to come from grand gestures. Sometimes it shines most brightly through the simple, authentic ways we use our natural talents to connect, encourage, and contribute.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and opportunities to let your own unique light shine!
Please share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section below.
Find out more about the services we have available to help you find the success you want and deserve!
© Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., All Rights Reserved
About Dr. Gary M. Jordan, Ph.D.
Gary Jordan, Ph.D., has over 35 years of experience in clinical psychology, behavioral assessment, individual development, and coaching. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley. He is co-creator of Perceptual Style Theory, a revolutionary psychological assessment system that teaches people how to unleash their deepest potentials for success. He’s a partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., a consulting firm that specializes in helping people discover their true skills and talents.
Additional information about Dr. Jordan
