January was a busy month for our little family. It blessed us with good news regarding my CT scan as well as quality time with family and friends. During one visit we had the opportunity to explore a light exhibition at the Denver Art Museum. Originally we planned to view a Monet exhibition, but it was sold out. I truly believe this worked in our favor. The curator had set the light exhibition up to walk the viewer through the many ways in which humans perceive light. From the necessity of light to the way it reflects off objects to the shadows it creates and beyond. It caused me to pause and reflect upon the presence of light in my own life.
Light has always been something that I have sought. My mom used to joke that I was cat because I would find a place in the sunshine to read, sketch, or nap. One of my favorite days was laying in the warm sun on the Block Island beach. Light rays streaming through the clouds rival my love of rainbows during a storm. I gravitate towards houses with large windows that allow light to pour in. I have traveled internationally to attend light festivals and see the northern lights (I may or may not have cried when I saw their splendor). Additionally, light plays a huge role in drawing, painting, and photography. It sets the atmosphere, controls the direction of the viewer’s eye, and provides depth. In reality, the list could go on and on.
But, is it always easy to find the light? No, it is not (physically or metaphorically). Our moods shift when the sky is cloudy, our spirits sink if a situation seems bleak, and our survival relies on the existence of the sun as well as electricity in the nighttime hours. It is almost as though we need to train our brains and eyes to search for the tiny specks of light present. A daunting task, but one well worth it. Throughout my cancer journey I have found that seeking the light or good in a circumstance creates a more manageable environment. My overall being relaxes into contentment when I walk or sit in the sunshine. The tension in my shoulder dissipates when I remember all the amazing aspects of my life. Some days I struggle to find the light, but continue to consciously seek it out. For me, for my family, and for the goodness I can spread. Cheers to finding the light in all our lives!
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. ~Aristotle
The Artfelt Brush 