LESEDI

Lesedi is one of my favourite words in isiZulu, the language of my adopted home here in South Africa although it is originally SeSotho in origin. It’s one my ancestors use often in our conversations, in my dreams. It means “light” and not just your average light but more “enlightenment”. I think of it as the word for internal light.

In my dreams, and often in my waking hours, I hear this now, often, on repeat: “keep the lights on”. Keep the lights on. Keep the lights on.

I’ve been sitting with that and, visual being that I am, the image that comes up is one which makes a lot of sense in these times.  If you’re old enough, you may remember when we carried pocket lighters, back in the days before vaping and cell phones.  My favourite part of music concerts back in the 70s and 80s was when first one person, then another would flick on their tiny plastic lighters. The flames were so small you could miss it at first in the dark of the stadium. Slowly but surely, though, one flame would rise, then another and another and before you knew it, those little lights would join and illuminate faces above them in the most magical way.  Arms would sway, the lights would move in waves and there was unity, in the light and in the music and an internal peace would rise in my chest.

While trying to be sure my long hair didn’t catch on fire and that my hand didn’t bring the flames too close to anyone else. Maybe cell phones are the safer option.

But they aren’t nearly as enchanting.

And that’s how I see this message – as a sign that it’s necessary – mandatory maybe - for all of us to allow our own lights to shine. So that each individual flame calls forth more and more and more.

These days are dark AND we were made for these times.  Both are true. It is human to fall back into fear, into what is familiar and what we have been taught is true but it’s pretty hard to shine your light when you’re cowering in fetal position.  Most of us know, on one level or another, that fear is constantly and consistently used to control both individuals and the masses.  We see the evidence of the devastation that can cause in every corner of the globe right now, it’s impossible to ignore anymore.  Many souls have paid the ultimate price for allowing the dark side to win, as people and as the human race. 

So, what do we have to lose by keeping the lights on? By flinging our arms open and moving from our hearts rather than our overly manipulated brains? By seeking out the light of others and joining each of our inner flames into one huge one that brings us all back into a light so bright the truth cannot be hidden?

Not much. Not anymore.
And we have everything to gain. 

    Keep your lights on. Mine will be right next to yours. 

Always.

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