As I write this, I am overlooking the Hudson River. All the trees and cars parked on my street are covered in snow.  School was cancelled this morning and my son is out sledding with friends. It’s mid-March and my plan was to write about Spring (It IS March), but my inspiration has been quelled by the unexpected snowstorm.

How am I to write when my plan has gone astray?  I was hoping to look out my window and be dazzled by the new light of March shining on the river.  However, disappointment has set in and all I see is snow and grey skies – not very exciting, at the moment. As a matter of fact, it has obscured my artistic vision, just as the clouds have cloaked the sunshine.

Disappointment is a feeling I have become more intimate with than I would have fancied.  Like all humans, I have had my share of let downs, including the one today when I woke up and my sunny inspiration was nowhere to be seen.  So how can I get passed it all to find the light and creative spark that is now overshadowed by disappointment?

I often turn to a very important teaching from the Tantra.  The Tantra teaches that Light (Essence, Source or Consiousness) exists within each one of us, at all times.   However, it is often concealed and needs to be revealed. For example, on a foggy day in Manhattan, the tip of the Empire State Building may be obscured by thick clouds.  Does that mean the building does not exist since we cannot see it? Of course not!  We are certain it’s there and we just need to wait for the fog to lift and it will appear in it’s glistening beauty once again.

Practicing yoga, meditation and self study can all be helpful in exposing our Light. We all have moments of love, creativity and joy that make us realize this Light exists within us. Yet, sometimes even disappointment can be a gateway to remembering our Inner Light and to reveal our True Nature.

The same goes for disappointment.  It’s a temporary veil or fog which obscures our hopes and dreams.  Our passion and creative spirit exists even when concealed by the fog of disenchantment.

I believe we all pulsate between forgetting (seeing only the fog) and remembering (knowing the Empire State Building exists, even if it is temporarily concealed).  The teaching reminds me that the greatest certainty is the uncertainty of possibilities.  Behind the fog (also known as the veil of Maya) lies a clear view of the building or the light of our Hearts. I never know when the Light will be revealed, just like we are unsure about the moment the fog will lift.  As I write this, I am certain my piece has taken a new direction, a possibility I did not consider.  Perhaps the snow was an unexpected gift of creative expression taking me in the direction of seeing the sunlight beyond the grey skies. My intention to explore the subject of Spring did not get addressed.  Maybe next time I will write about that (below is a link to a TED Talk which explores emotions and new words.)

I am always surprised by the beauty that is revealed out of the fogginess of disappointments.

Things that Inspire Me…

Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/john_koenig_beautiful_new_words_to_describe_obscure_emotions

A few days later…

The snow is melting 🙂

Namaste (The Light in Me Honors the Light in You,

Karon