Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in transitions without fully noticing.
We simply go with the flow, and the current carry us to unexpected places.
Then there are those moments (sometimes lasting years) when we deliberately embrace change. These periods often force help us confront our own selves: we can be our own harshest critic and our own strongest supporter. We know our potential for greatness, and we know how far we can fall.
Toward the end of 2023, I came across a Sufi parable that resonated deeply. I believe we are moved most by stories that hold a personal message just for us. I want to share that parable with you. My hope is you might find meaning in it as well with the new year.
“The Sun and the Cave”
“One day the Sun and a Cave struck up a conversation. The Sun had trouble understanding what “dark” meant and the Cave didn’t quite get the hang of “light and clear” so they decided to change places.The Cave went up to the Sun and said, “Ah, I see, this is beyond wonderful. Now come down and see where I have been living.” The Sun went down to the cave and said, “Gee, I don’t see any difference.”
When the sun went down, it took its light along and even the darkest corners were illuminated. That is why the Sun couldn’t see any difference.
There is a quote from an old book that says “The enlightened ones can never be sent to hell or pushed into darkness. They carry their heaven on their shoulders all the time.”
We thought that heaven is a place where we are supposed to go, perhaps it was a state of mind we were supposed to achieve.
If you are full of darkness within, full of negativity, fear, and doubt, you become a Cave unknowingly. It is hell within and no matter how much you accumulate, you still remain hollow.
If you are illuminated like the Sun, then the darkness of the cave wouldn’t matter. You could be in the worst of circumstances, you will still be able to find a blessing somewhere.
Trust you’ll be carrying your Heaven with you in
20242025