Grow: expanding in the light through gratitudes

Phototropism is the process of organisms growing towards the light of the sun or another light source. This is most often observed in plants but is also experienced by other life forms. "Photo" means light, and "tropism" refers to the movement of an organism in a direction due to a response to an external stimulus.

We can notice this phenomenon with our lovely houseplants; placed on a windowsill, they begin to extend their leaves and stems toward the lightest spaces. They have developed this technique to receive the greatest energy from the light for photosynthesis.

To reach toward the light, they elongate their cells, like a puppy stretching in the morning sun, able to bathe in the rays. Over time, with this strategy, the plants experience the maximum energy for growth and strength.

Our mindfulness practices are a form of phototropism. With meditative crafts and awareness, we create strategies to reach the innermost light, our true energy source. Tapping into our own light source is the key to unlocking our true potential for a life of vitality, joy, and freedom.

This freedom is when we are not tethered to our narrow constraints and conditioning. It is a place where pure magic happens, and life flows with creativity and awe.

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As the mystic Sufi poet Rumi tells us:

"Your task? To work with all the passion of your being to acquire an inner light."

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One strategy to instigate our own phototropism is practicing gratitude. The simple act of forming appreciative thoughts bends our awareness towards the light's energy. Even with just minuscule gratitudes, a grand force expands towards our inner radiant source.

Just as the appreciation for having the earth beneath us, feeling the cool breeze on the skin in the morning, and the sound of the birds chirping. The fact that we woke up today and are breathing. The sun shining through the clouds, a flower blooming in spring, and having clean, fresh water to drink.

Throughout our day, we can be like the wonderful plant, noticing and feeling the bright energy through gratitude for what we are experiencing in each moment, silently giving thanks for these wonderful small gifts of living. Our motivation and creativity will elongate and grow towards our true source with this mindfulness trick.

With this gratitude phototropism, our spaces expand, and we are bathed in the light and energy of the grandeur of being alive. No one is spared from challenges, and at times, sorrow accompanies our existence, as this comes with being human.

Yet, we can always tap into our brighter source with gratitude, and experience the joy and light, allowing our flowers to bloom with love.

Cheers!

Kether

Spunky Mind

"Beauty is not in the face;

beauty is a light in the heart."

Khalil Gibran