Finding Meaning in Light and Shadow
Have you ever wondered why light and darkness seem to have such powerful, symbolic meanings in our lives? We often associate light with positivity and darkness with negativity, but what if that perspective is too simplistic? In this blog, Lights and Truth, I want to explore the balance between these two forces and what they can teach us about our journey through life.
The inspiration behind the name comes from an unexpected place—a simple yet profound scene in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. This is where the idea of light and truth, intertwined yet distinct, first grabbed my attention and set me on a path of deeper understanding.
The Symbolism Behind ‘Lights and Truth’
In The Alchemist, the main character meets a king who gives him two stones, Urim and Thummim, representing “lights” and “truth.” Historically, seers used these stones to answer difficult questions. When faced with uncertainty, they would blindly pick one stone to receive guidance—Urim (the white stone) for “yes” and Thummim (the black stone) for “no.”
This concept resonated with me because it challenges the idea that light is inherently good and darkness inherently bad. Growing up, I was taught that white meant safety and black meant danger. But in Coelho’s story, these colors simply represent choices—both necessary, both valuable.
Challenging the Light and Dark Dichotomy
Reflecting on the symbolism of these stones, I began to question other cultural narratives about light and dark. Why do we always associate black with death or evil, and white with purity or goodness? This binary view limits our understanding of life. For example, near-death experiences often describe a “white light,” yet we know that in many cultures, darkness represents mystery, transformation, or the unknown, not just negativity.
For me, these observations bring a simple but powerful realization: light and dark are not opposing forces but complementary ones. They are two sides of the same coin, constantly balancing each other in our lives.
My Personal Journey with Light and Shadow
This realization took on personal meaning for me. I used to focus heavily on staying in the light, avoiding the darker aspects of life—my own fears, doubts, and struggles. But I came to understand that avoiding darkness only led to denying parts of myself.
Take, for example, my own journey of self-discovery. For a long time, I hid from my insecurities, believing they had no place in my life. But it was only when I confronted those feelings, accepted them, and learned from them that I began to feel whole again. The shadow, once a source of fear, became a tool for growth.
Practical Lessons from Light and Shadow
So, what can we learn from this balance between light and shadow, practically speaking? Here are some key takeaways:
- Acknowledge the Shadow: Avoiding your darker emotions or fears doesn’t make them disappear. Facing them head-on can lead to personal growth and self-awareness.
- Embrace Duality: Instead of seeing things as purely good or bad, recognize that everything exists on a spectrum. Life’s complexity is what makes it rich.
- Balance Both in Daily Life: Whether you’re facing a difficult decision or struggling with an inner conflict, try asking yourself what both light and shadow can teach you.
The Role of Truth in Our Identity
This concept of duality also applies to how we see ourselves. Jim Carrey once said, “There is no me, no self. Jim Carrey is gone—actually, he never existed.” At the time, this statement puzzled many, but it speaks to the idea of identity as fluid and ever-changing. People often get stuck in their roles or titles, forgetting that these are just temporary phases in life.
The truth (or Thummim) is that sometimes we need to lose ourselves in the unknown—the shadow—to find out who we really are. The void isn’t something to fear but an essential part of the journey.
Embracing the Shadow: A Call to Action
In closing, I encourage you to reflect on the role of darkness in your life. What parts of yourself have you been avoiding or denying? How might embracing those aspects help you shine brighter? By integrating the shadow, you allow your true self to emerge, and in doing so, you become a light for others who are still searching.
Ultimately, Lights and Truth isn’t about staying in the light or rejecting the dark. It’s about finding harmony between the two, recognizing that each has its place and its wisdom. become a beacon of hope for those who have lost their way.
Lights & Truth 