This lovely chandelier is hanging in what seems at first to be the unlikeliest of places…a pub! It’s just one of many hanging in Victoria’s old City of Lights Building which was originally built in 1894 to house the coal fired electric generators that powered Victoria's streetlights. It seems quite fitting that these beautiful chandeliers are now hanging in the old City of Lights building!
So much is said about becoming enlightened these days. With 2012 bearing down creeping up on us, and all the information and mis-information around that, there almost seems to be an urgency about it. I’m not sure how others define enlightenment but I’ve come to understand what it means for me.
Enlightenment is not about bunnies and rainbows, nor is it about the “woo woo, airy, fairy”. It's not about retreating to a mountain top or meditating in a cave. Enlightenment is about personal growth and using that growth to live a balanced life...in the world, not hiding away from it.
It's about releasing fear and it's about trusting. It's also about loving myself and emanating my truth. It’s about being disciplined and becoming the spiritual warrior (the heart needs to keep the ego in check!). It’s about drawing a line in the sand and calling on courage from the very depths of my being because I know that's what I deserve. It’s about ending struggle, letting go of drama and realizing that I’m never a victim…never, ever, ever. Enlightenment is about knowing gratitude and it's about asking myself what Einstein considered to be the most important question...Is the universe a friendly place?...and listening to my answer. If our thoughts become our reality, then the answer to this question is crucial.
Perhaps enlightenment means something different to you or maybe it’s not something that’s ever been on your radar. (You’re probably not a naval gazer like me!) but as long as we have the intent and determination to live to our greatest potential, to live in peace and joy with kindness as our north star, then we’re seeking enlightenment.
It’s time to power up…turn our lights up brightly…and be the very best we can be. We deserve that and so does the world.
Knowing others is wisdom;
Knowing the self is enlightenment;
Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self needs strength.
Lao Tzu
Have a lovely weekend dear friends and if you're considering a movie, I saw The Help earlier this week. I loved it! The acting is great and although I didn't read the book, I've been told it's not a disapointment.
I'm so glad you came to visit!
I'm a navel gazer and I'm glad I came to visit, too...I also agree with your description of enlightenment. Another beautiful photo and color palette! xoO
Posted by: Olivia | 08/19/2011 at 10:36 PM
What a beautiful image here Kate and your words were just right for me today at this moment. Thank you for an inspiring post.
Posted by: Helen | 08/20/2011 at 12:33 AM
You have summed it up beautifully Kate! For me it's a friendly place right here and now and I'm glad that ytou can join me here in this moment!
Posted by: Patti | 08/20/2011 at 02:02 AM
That chandelier is stunning and, yes from some perspective, an unlikely place for it to be.
That quote is SO true and, as always, a thought provoking post.
I haven't seen the movie yet but I did the read the book...LOVED it!
Posted by: Serena | 08/20/2011 at 02:56 PM
I just finished the book, also, and enjoyed it. And really loved your words here, Kate. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and truths ... and dreamy palette and image.
Posted by: Susan | 08/20/2011 at 05:51 PM
I think this post speaks more about you than anything you've written that I've read! Courage, balance and being true to oneself. I think that is a struggle we all have!
"The Help" is next on my reading table (i.e. my iPad). My daughter just finished the book and said it was fantastic. Can't wait to get to it.
Have a great week. And I love that chandelier.
Posted by: martie | 08/21/2011 at 11:22 AM
I am definitely a fellow naval gazer. :)
What you focus on expands.
I try and ask myself if I would rather come from a place of love, or fear. Everything stems from one of these...and while I am very well acquainted with the fearful parts of myself, I keep finding love..everywhere.
Beautiful, thoughtful post.
Posted by: jaime | 09/18/2011 at 10:36 AM