#9: Planting the Seeds of Light

Every day we are driven forward by our desires.

Our desires can be both tangible and abstract, influenced by many things; regardless of the way our desires manifest in reality, they will always influence the way we carry ourselves throughout our lives.

Take me for example.

I want to see more positivity in the world because I’ve noticed a lack of hope for change, and an ongoing criticism of people who shine in a different way or an unfamiliar color of light.

“Be the change you’d like to see in the world.”

— Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Love is not like electricity or time - it isn’t a finite resource, and the more we give, the more we have to offer; we, in America at least, are brought up in a system that constantly puts us against one another in a cycle of negativity and aggressive competition at young ages.

I am on a beautiful journey to become the best version of myself, in which I’d like to give back to the world on my own main quest adventure. To do so, I’ve been trying to find my ‘North Stars’, or the things that drive me forward.

It feels good for me to do good, and what’s more ‘good’ than wanting to help make someone smile, laugh, or impart any shred of wisdom that may help someone throughout their life?

It’s rejuvenating to create something fun and abstract, sometimes only making sense to myself, but at times resonating with another soul on their own journey.

This is why I’m planting some seeds of positivity and light, through acts of love and curiosity.

Right now, the greatest act of love is to speak the truth I see and learn about - even if it is sometimes difficult to put what I see into tangible words.

However, if I’m going to do this, I need to ensure that I’m sowing my garden with good intentions.

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Titled “Yūbae ("Sunset Glow" on Enoshima Island)” (2023). This photograph is representative of two things: 1.) A desire that was left unfulfilled, and 2.) The memory of finally witnessing the sunset from the peak of Enoshima Island. It took 4 years to fulfill this yearning, and witnessing it at long last was euphoric and overwhelmingly stunning in its beauty.

Citations:

• Inspiration: “The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

• Inspiration: “The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life” by Simran Jeet Singh