Consider a box; it has corners. Corners exist for a reason. They define limits and boundaries. They mark the edge of territory and, if we cut too many of them, we end up living in a world where nothing begins or ends properly. Corners also sometimes provide us with opportunities to take unwise shortcuts. We eventually realize that those shortcuts weren’t at all necessary; that we were already equipped with all the mechanisms, innate intelligence, and security we needed from the start.

In many different corners of our world, global catastrophe is on the rise. From New Orleans to Jakarta to Haiti to Hiroshima, these natural occurrences force us to see just how vulnerable we truly are, and how at the end of the day, we are all human, with families, friends, challenges, and similar perspectives and objectives in mind. Despite our diverse infrastructures and as catastrophic as these events may come, there is something about devastation that forces us to focus and realize the strength of our own resilience; the readiness of our universal communication; and the optimism we allocate when dealing with and overcoming any calamity. One would presume that global catastrophe should or would make us smarter, better communicators, and more polite and willing to serve one another; beyond our borders of nationality, religion, color, or creed.

But just as natural disasters make us vulnerable – being an initiator and striving for greatness makes us vulnerable too. We seem to think that if we dare to step outside the box, initiate a change, stir something up, speak our piece, or stand our ground, we will be sentenced to an eternity of sacrifices and ridicule. Why are we so afraid of the light? Why does the dark become a comfortable place for us to reside and hide out? Why do we think that we ourselves is all that matters? People need people. And more importantly, people empower other people by helping, aiding, supporting, and advancing. Though we may reside in separate parts of the world, none of us is traveling this flight with a single seat. Civilization only advances when people help each other.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles

Corners and borders may rule our physical spaces, but they don’t have to rule our thoughts, ambitions, or our power to have purpose. The brink of spring is upon us. They say that when the days and nights are of equal length, we are all granted a cosmic opportunity to rebalance our lives. Now is the perfect time to consider all the positive influences [including the changes in the weather and extension of sunlight] that give you the boost to reach beyond your fears so you can truly fly; think outside the box; then go make it happen.

Love for your Tuesday.