Illuminate: Shining Light on Your Work & Your World [Writing Yoga® Creativity Matrix Prompt #5]
Apr 07, 2025It's been raining for several gray days here in New York as I write this post on the word "Illuminate." Funny universe. To me its a test to prove how much intention really matters. If I set the intention to "illuminate" something in work or life, the drab day becomes meaningless and I feel much more luminous. It also brings to light what we may be inclined to hide.
Illuminate What Needs to Be Seen
Even negative experiences can be illuminated to reveal some important truth. People are generally anxious these days. Sometimes they take their anger (even when it's justified) and lash out at others. I had one such experience this weekend! Their negative view is not your problem. Acknowledge the pain and light a new path forward.
When you shine a light on a new path, you allow yourself to:
- See the hidden beauty, and the small, subtle moments of brilliance that might otherwise be overlooked.
- Celebrate the unexpected, and recognize that not everything needs to be planned or perfect to be valuable.
- Expand your perspective, because shining a light on everything (both what you created intentionally and what emerged naturally) helps you see your life and work from a broader view.
Illuminate: Turning Light into Action
Use a Writing Yoga® practice to turn light into action:
Sit
Find a quiet moment. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. In this moment, ask yourself:
Where in my life or work have I been too focused on perfection or control? What parts of my work or my world could use more light?
Think about the moments, people, or projects that may have been overlooked. What are the areas where light could shine brighter? Breathe.
Write
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Write freely about the ways your work and your life have illuminated something new. What have you created (intentionally or by accident) that you haven’t fully appreciated yet?
Ask yourself follow up questions:
- Where can I shine light on what I’ve overlooked or taken for granted?
- How can I embrace and celebrate the unexpected outcomes in my life or work?
- What would it look like to see my life and creations all lit up, from both planned and accidental moments?
Write without judgment. Just let the words flow!
Move
Take a lesson from Kundalini yoga. Yesterday morning, I took a great class with Paula Jennings. She guided us through chanting and body and arm circles. My head was lit. Of course the whole point of this style of yoga is to awaken energy. Kundalini energy begins at the root of your spine, flows up through your body and spine, and out the top of your head. That is where you shine. That is where you connect with all that is luminous.
Allow your body to feel lighter and brighter as you think about the full spectrum of light when you move this week. It can be brought into any aspect of your routine. Take a kundalini yoga class. I would suggest you find a qualified teacher if this is new to you since all that light can make you lightheaded!
If you are stuck for a simple way to move this week, just take a walk. Visualize the light surrounding you as you do.
Next week, we'll "collect" all the words you've been reflecting on, so you can create even more clarity and purpose.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com.
Thank you for helping to make the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
