Let There Be Light
"But I also say this:
that light is an invitation to happiness,
and that happiness, when it's done right
is a kind of holiness, palpable and redemptive." -Mary Oliver
Our passage through winter's solstice has me thinking
About Light
What is LIGHT anyway...
Is it a wave? 1801 - Physicist Thomas Young performs his famous double-slit experiment. The light patterns through the slits showed humanity that light is a wave.
Is it a particle? 1921 - Albert Einstein wins the Nobel Prize in Physics through his research showing light shining on metal acts, in fact, not like a wave but like a particle, a "photon."
Most recently, quantum physicists tell us that it's BOTH.
The Nature of Light depends entirely on...
Our Attention
Light: As a Particle
"Your attention is like a beam of light.
Whatever you focus on becomes illuminated.
Focus on the good." -Rhonda Hendricks
My honeybees are beings of light and energy.
Their focus is inspiring.
And its result is abundance.
When they look to my fields, they do not see deadlines or distances.
They see flowers.
Bright. Sweet. Nourishing.
If my attention defines the nature of light, then I choose to see each day with the clarity and focus of my honeybees.
The light, abundance and beauty that is everywhere.
*Photo Credit: Jim Brett, Valley Organic Growers Association
Light: As a Wave
"The butterflies have spread their sails to glide up on the seas of light; the lilies and the jasmine flowers surge on the crest of waves of light." -Rabindranath Tagore, Your Light My Light
Unnoticed, this is the light that nourishes each ingredient on my farm.
Unheeded, it lifts butterfly wings to flight.
Unbidden, it causes each flower petal to surge.
This radiant light is the nourishment of every leaf and berry.
Is it possible that luminous wave carries such momentum that its energy reaches all the way to your teacup?
Perhaps the chamomile and hibiscus blossoms have the answer.
Light: As a Gift
"A candle looses nothing when it lights another candle." -Thomas Jefferson
As I reflect on the previous month, I am compelled to take a moment to honor YOUR displays of such incredible luminosity. I have been deeply touched by the capacity of light among you, dear tea-drinkers...
Thank you, dear tea-drinker, for your infinite giving. It is a privilege to witness.
Your sharing of my tea with your loved-ones is my deepest honor.
Your feedback to me (through so many cards and words of encouragement) has brought me to tears.
You, dear tea-drinker, are a light.
The gifts that you give to me and to others illuminate hearts.
You, dear tea-drinker, have been teaching me:
Hearts are the most valuable places upon which to shine.
My blessing to you this month, dear tea-drinker...
Enjoy the still, quiet moments drinking in the momentum of light from my farm to your teacup.
Carry that light with you as you focus on abundance and beauty that is everywhere.
Share that light with those that inspire you.
"You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way...
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see." - Matt. 5:14
As always:
Thank you
I'm honored to be your herbal tea farmer.
Be well,
Shannon