Gihugic Aha Moment--Thank you, Ben Wheeler!

You know, I had a moment of clarity this morning as I sat with my emwave and breathed all the goodness of a beautiful morning. My aha was prompted by a young boy, age 6, named Ben Wheeler. I'll introduce Ben in a moment, but first, a realization:

Ultimately another person's suffering becomes our suffering. When darkness approaches and is all around, don't shrink away--step up, expand, shine the light and perhaps those adrift will find their way home.

This is the lesson as I took it, from a boy named Ben who loved lighthouses above all else. According to those who knew this little man, he was a lighthouse, he was also a fatal victim of the Sandy Hook shooting, happening one year ago today. I listened to his mom and dad talk on Opera's Soul Series a few weeks ago and their message was loud and clear--we have tremendous ability to either spread light or succumb to darkness. As I was pondering this reality, I got to thinking about the turning points we're given every day to truly be agents of love or agents of fear, frustration, worry, etc. How do I personally respond to horrible and dark situations--by shrinking away and adding another layer of darkness and confusion, or by stepping up, opening my heart, and cultivating goodness--shining a light so to speak. Science now shows that emotions such as appreciation, kindness and compassion literally change the physiological responses and heart rhythms of others within our 8 foot vicinity. The opposite is also true. If we are frustrated, scared or untrusting, these restricted feelings influence the physiology of other people within our radius. Ultimately another person's suffering or happiness becomes our suffering or happiness. What are we going to do, succumb to the darkness or make a revolution and shine, baby, shine? 

Thank you, sweet angel, Ben Wheeler, for the lessons you continue to teach through your loved ones that remember your adoration for the light. You are a tribute to IC Truth #3, energy never dies, it only changes form. On this day and always, may we each consciously chose to shine. 

For more information about Ben Wheeler, his love of lighthouses and his goodness that continues to spread, visit: http://benslighthouse.org/