Daily Cascade

On Seeing the Light

Prompt: Spreading Light
"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
Edith Wharton
Write about this quote's meaning. Can you think of other ways of reflecting or spreading light besides being the candle or the mirror?

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I don't want to burn up as a candle and neither do I like reflecting others' views all that much. Does my stance leave me any other choice? We'll see. First, let's look at the candle and the mirror, two humble objects for how light moves through our world.

A candle burns itself out, so that the darkness can loosen its grip. Yet, while burning off, the candle's light warms faces, invites closeness, and softens hard edges.

A mirror doesn't sacrifice itself. It catches light and images and reflects them as they are, without altering anything about them. To be a mirror means having clarity to reflect something precious to those who have forgotten they are already carrying that precious something.

In addition, there may be other ways to spread light, too. How about by asking questions? Questions that make people think and give space to different perspectives.

Then, there are those who spread light like a lighthouse, steadily, firmly, and without chasing anyone. Their personal existence is what makes everything so clear and believable.

Also, light can be spread by listening to others well and thoroughly. If for nothing but when a person is heard, really heard, something inside them may brighten and may come alive.

Hearing and understanding others may have to do with kindness, too, for kindness itself is a light. It is unforgettable, even when it is sudden and brief.

There is also the light of truth, maybe harsh at first, but necessary for growth. It is like the early morning sun shining into the eyes of people, trying to wake them up.

Sometimes, where light is concerned, burning can come up in the works. Other times, it may be reflecting, but mostly, the way I look at it it, it means stepping aside to give room to others and to refuse to block their light.

So, just maybe, the idea of light is not to be whether the candle or the mirror. The idea may have to do with our own stance and feelings of respect for all people and the truth. Plus, I believe the search for light involves the hard questions we need to ask ourselves, such as: "What kind of darkness am I standing in right now?" This way, being truthful to oneself may mean turning on a light.

After all, light is generous. It will use any excuse to travel and illuminate.