The sun is a daily reminder that we, too, can rise again from the darkness, that we too can shine our own light.
~ Sara Ajna
Solar Courage
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
It takes a lot of courage to be human.
I realised this universal truth during a workshop I attended, Primal Spirituality Six: Courage. It is the sixth in a series of seven workshops offered by the Emissaries of Divine Light at Sunrise Ranch.
As humans, we hold some divine gifts, or coping mechanisms, cleverly embedded in the design of our human beingness. We have a remarkable anatomy that facilitates life. Still, more than that, we have a magical unseen energy system that animates our physical bodies and interfaces with our spiritual presence to create an entire world—a Self.
Eastern philosophies teach that metaphysically speaking, the solar plexus, located just below the diaphragm, is powered by the sun—the main source of our human energy. The word “solar” means the sun, and “plexus” means a network or system. Therefore, “solar plexus” may then be interpreted as your “network of the sun.” Imagine sunbeams streaming from a central source.
In striving to develop spiritual maturity, I have found it helpful to picture this powerful inner sun beaming outward, radiating my spiritual essence out into my world and setting me up for the joy of unexpected miracles on my path. I have often said that the sun is my soulmate, and I am only half joking! For me, the sun holds the essence of Spirit and symbolises the quality of courage because it continues to shine no matter what. Sometimes, the sun is temporarily hidden by clouds, but it always returns and beams again even more brightly. I remember Linda Tucker, Keeper of the White Lions (the royal embodiment of courage), pointing out that the sun and a lion are often indistinguishable in children’s drawings.
When the small sun/lion within the solar plexus is strengthened and encouraged to radiate its unconditional love to the world, it becomes both our shining presence in the world and our sacred protection. It illuminates our path and hints at an other-worldly strength, conquering darkness and inexorably staving off anything that is not love.
Looking back, I recognise how often I found my way forward by embracing my own courage and (sometimes consciously) turning up the light of my inner sun and celebrating the radiant current that flows from the Source of Life through me and warms my world.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Thank you, Berry, for your inspiring and reassuring words. Yes, we are here simply to shine the Light of our inner Sun. And with all of the darkness permeating human consciousness and the state of the world right now, it may indeed require some courage to keep that Light consistently shining without distraction.
Thank you, Berry, for your inspiring and reassuring words. Yes, we are here simply to shine the Light of our inner Sun. And with all of the darkness permeating human consciousness and the state of the world right now, it may indeed require some courage to keep that Light consistently shining without distraction.