This is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse here in Florida. I took this picture on February 2, 2012. I'm pleased to say that my hubby and me both made it successfully to the top! The lighthouse stands 156 feet tall.
Inspiration is all around us. There is so much that inspire and guide our lives. Family, friends, animals and nature are just some of the things that inspire me each day. And as my gravatar says, “compassion” motivates me. It’s the driving force behind my words.
Yet, there is something that gives me that extra burst of energy that propels me to be bigger than myself. It is the guiding light in my life. That guiding light for me is a strong spiritual connection. It empowers me to begin each day with a renewed sense of hope. Many of you share that same spiritual connection that guides us in life.
Regardless of how we uniquely choose to define it, many of us find hope and inspiration in embracing the “light.” It gives us strength to face each new day. It brings meaning to our lives.
We don’t often share our sense of spirituality with each other. We don’t always wear it on our sleeve, so to speak. Moreover, it’s not uncommon for people to avoid discussions revolving around faith and spirituality because it’s often considered “taboo” to do so. Yet, for many of us it is the strength behind our words and actions.
Being spiritually connected helps me weather the storms. After all, life does present challenges from time to time. Yet, during the trials and tribulations of life, I find peace amid the chaos. I’d rather walk together in the light than walk alone in the darkness.
The “light” reassures me that we can make a difference together. It inspires me. It gives me purpose. It guides me.
So, what guides you in life? Would you describe yourself as a spiritual person? If so, does it motivate you to be more compassionate in life? Does that compassion crossover to all living things?
wordswithpurpose 
It surely is a tough question to answer, as I myself still get confused with the word “spiritual” and more often than not, some people interchange it with the word ‘religious’, which I am sure I am not.
Rather, I think I am more of “ambitious”. Not for some attainment, mind you. But for my life – what it is like when I wake up in the morning. Always I look forward to tomorrow. The thrill of finding out what the next day has in store for me serves as my motivation in life.
Does that make sense? Hmm…
Your comment most definitely makes sense Addie! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. I agree with you that the thrill of finding out what tomorrow brings can be a great motivator in life! 🙂
As for spirituality, I think each of us defines it in our own unique way. I think it’s a very personal thing that isn’t always easy for people to put into words. That being said, it will be interesting to see how many people will comment on this post! Ha! Ha! Anyway, thanks for dropping by Addie. Your words are always thought provoking. 🙂
Donna, I’m really puzzled on my comments. I don’t know why they are not appearing. The same with The Island Traveler, I have been submitting comments since last week yet I can’t see them up to this time.
Unfortunately, your comments went straight to my spam folder without notification (more on this in my other reply to you). I’m just blessed to have come across them there! Anyway, thanks for all your beautiful comments Sony. 🙂
I agree, my spirituality is definitely my guiding force and the thing I turn to for comfort as well. Also, I think of two people in my life: an elderly woman who lived alone for many, many years of her life but was always happy and ready to smile. She built a wonderful world around herself and never resented being alone and always appreciated even the smallest gestures from anyone. The other younger person is a severely disabled friend of mine whose faith and courage are an inspiration to me daily. Her fire and determination to do what little she can make me realize how trivial most of our daily grievances truly are. These are two truly remarkable women.
Your comment is so inspiring! I am really moved by it. Thanks so much for sharing that. We need more people in the world like your two friends. The world would be a much better place for all of us. By the way, I bet that you have equally inspired them. 🙂
That’s so kind of you to say! I just feel so blessed to have them in my life. Even though the elderly woman passed away years ago, I still think of her almost every day; she still makes me smile.
Isn’t it a blessing when we meet people who make such a difference in our lives? Speaking of elderly people, I have always enjoyed being around seniors. I think we can learn a lot from them. It’s a shame that our society often doesn’t appreciate their wisdom. After all, we are going to be seniors one day too! Anyway, I appreciate you swinging back by again. That was kind of you to do so. Have a great weekend! 🙂
This is Great Doc how you define the Lighthouse nice entry 🙂
Thanks so much Jake! I’m glad that you enjoyed it. It’s always nice to have you drop by. It puts a smile on my face. 🙂
Donna, at the end of the day, I make it a point pray to the Aura up there for everything. I always talk to him before closing my eyes at night and after opening my eyes in the morning. I thank Him not only for the things that turned out right but also on the things that didn’t. I know that whatever is happening to my life and my family, He’s there so in times plans don’t turn out the way I expect or things I like don’t come my way, I know it’s for the better. BECAUSE, (I seldom profess stuff like this but let me anyway) I believe in Him. It’s him who I ran to in my darkest hour. And I know everything is in accordance with Him. Knowing that He’s up there and knowing that the good will always be there no matter what, makes me compassionate on my faith – in Him, to the world, to my family, to Mother Nature, on goodness of people like you, on the sun and the stars … all that He created.
I may not have exactly answered each of the questions, Donna, but I know you got the message. You were right in saying that it’s not uncommon for people to avoid discussions revolving around faith and spirituality because it’s often considered “taboo” to do so. Yet, for many of us it is the strength behind our words and actions. That’s why I thank you for doing it through this post. THANK YOU!
What a beautiful comment Sony! And just to think that this lovely comment of yours was sitting in my spam folder all that time. This comment should have been given “VIP” status as far as I’m concerned. 🙂
Seriously though, I think that you have shared your innermost thoughts beautifully my friend. I was very touched by your comment Sony. And I really couldn’t add any more to it because you have said it all magnificently. It’s a blessing to have you as my blogging friend. I hope that each day is filled with endless blessings for you and your family Sony. 🙂
A blessing came from heaven today via your post! Your words serve as a source of inspiration for other to follow the light. This words gave me a sense of hops, “Being spiritually connected helps me weather the storms. After all, life does present challenges from time to time. Yet, during the trials and tribulations of life, I find peace amid the chaos. I’d rather walk together in the light than walk alone in the darkness.” In my lowest moments, it’s God and his love that sustained me. My wife and I chose to embrace him and give up the world of materialism…God bless you my friend and your family. Wishing you all the love, peace and joy.
It truly is a blessing my friend when you openly share your heartfelt words. And thank you so much for your kindness. Nonetheless, it’s refreshing to hear that you and your wife have decided to give up materialism. That’s not always easy to do. Yet, isn’t everything possible when we have spiritual guidance? I wish you and your family endless blessings. I hope each day brings you abundant joy and happiness. 🙂
Bro, please give me your email address please!
Bro, I’m already seeing my comment preview on Donna’s, but not on your blog. I commented on your latest post (One Rhythm, One Nation, One People) this morning and upon submitting, I didn’t see any preview — which made me think it went to your spam again just like my previous comments. This is really weird.
Donna, I apologize for turning your comments’ section into something like this: a bulletin board or forum …
I just left a comment on Island Traveler’s blog Sony. I let him know that you have been trying to leave comments. I asked him to check his spam folder. Hopefully, you should see your comments posted soon! 🙂
No need to apologize my friend! It’s always nice having you here. 🙂
Light is everything in the world… It is the spark of spiritual connections… I love and believe in this poem:
“Even so, one step from my grave,
I believe that cruelty, spite,
The powers of darkness will in time
Be crushed by the spirit of light.”
~ Boris Pasternak
I’m one of those that was taught that if I wanted to get along with people and keep friends and family I should never discuss politics or religion. And to a degree I can see the wisdom of that in some situations, but I’m always drawn to the light and love to talk about it. For the most part I think organized religion is a destructive thing, especially fundamentalist sects who think their way is the only true way. I would agree with the folks who say “I’m spiritual but not religious.” Compassion is one of the primary ways light manifests itself, I believe. I’ve had moments of transcendence that have made me feel at one with the universe and have given me inner peace.
I enjoyed your post!
What a beautiful poem Barbara! I love it too! Thank you for sharing it. Also, I really appreciate you sharing your perspective. I love how openly you express your thoughts. 🙂
As you wrote, “Compassion is one of the primary ways light manifests itself, I believe.” Those are beautiful, heartfelt words that are so inspiring! I think we need more compassion in the world. We need compassion for each other, animals and our planet.
I think we all should be less judgmental with each other. I don’t think any one person, or religious sect has all the answers. Therefore, I look to the “light” for my guidance.
Thanks Barbara for dropping by! As always, I appreciate your insightful comment. 🙂
No, I’m not a spiritual person. But I am very compassionate. I think that might come from knowing what it’s like to go through struggles and from seeing others in even worse places in their lives.
Thanks “Cafe23” for dropping by and commenting! I love to hear from other bloggers who share a strong sense of compassion. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts! 🙂
I think I am having a problem with my comments. I don’t see them appearing. Donna, I hope you will check your spam because I have a hunch that it went there. I also experienced this in The Island Traveler.
Luckily, I just discovered your comments in my “spam folder” Sony! I never even received an email letting me know that you had left a comment. All of your comments went directly to my spam folder without notification. I sure hope that WordPress takes care of the problem soon.
I believe that Island Traveler will get a notification on his dashboard (i.e., orange number) now that you have replied to him on my blog. If not, just let me know! Nonetheless, I know that “IT” must really miss reading your comments too. You are like sunshine on a cloudy day my friend! Your comments are always appreciated Sony. 🙂
At last! I’ relieved now. 🙂
I’m with you Sony! By the way, I found this comment in my spam folder too. Once again, I didn’t receive any notification via email “or” in my dashboard. I just checked my spam folder and found it there. Anyway, I hope it’s just a temporary problem. Your comments are too important to be in the spam folder! 🙂
I mean, I’m relieved. You are always, always welcome.
I know what you meant Sony! You rock. 🙂
Inspiration is all around us, I do agree. I find some blogs very inspiring. This was well placed.
Thanks very much Noeleen for your comment! One thing I love about WordPress is the people that I meet, albeit in the virtual realm. My blogging friends are definitely a source of inspiration for me. By the way, I find your blog to be inspiring! 🙂
Very interesting & inspirational analogy of the lighthouse. I would like to call myself religious, but the authorities who define religion won’t consider me as one so I describe myself spiritual. Spirituality does guide me in life, helps me relive daily stress and motivates me to seek path even under dark situations.
To me spirituality separates humans from other organisms. Spirituality guides one to rise above self-centric mentality and inspires to think about other things and being around you too. Humans are blessed with spirituality (I might be making an anthropocentric assumption here) and it’s the spirituality that can make a difference in creating a harmony in the world around us. You are so correct; together we can make a difference, walking with the light to enlighten the darkness around us
What a wonderful comment Yatin! You have expressed your thoughts beautifully. I think you made a great point that spirituality can make a difference in creating harmony in the world. I wholeheartedly agree! I think we could use a lot more harmony in the world. I think that all of us would be better off.
I noticed how thoughtful you are with your words especially when you wrote, “I might be making an anthropocentric assumption here.” I can see that you share a strong affection for animals too! So, I say kudos to you for thinking of the animals. 🙂
By the way, I happen to embrace the biocentric worldview. No surprise here I’m sure! Ha! Ha! I know that you are familiar with the term, but there might be some who read this that are not. So, I’ll define it for those who don’t know and might be interested. In short, biocentrism simply means that all living things have inherent value.
Anyway, I sure do appreciate your very inspiring comment. After all, I believe that it’s other bloggers comments that make my blog a beautiful tapestry of ideas. And isn’t that a blessing? 🙂
Some of my friends and I go out into the community to pray for people and engage them in spiritual conversations. The area I live in is known for the New Age and most people here are spiritual, however it’s amazing to talk to people and find out the different beliefs that they have.
I didn’t know dogs could talk Bongo! You are one gifted dog. Ha! Ha! Seriously though, I think that’s really wonderful and kind of you to pray for others in your community. God bless you for doing so. 🙂
I must say that you sure do live in a beautiful part of the country. Lucky dog you! And it sounds like you meet all sorts of interesting people who have all kinds of beliefs. It must make for some very engaging spiritual conversations. Anyway, I sure do appreciate you sharing your thoughts Bongo. It’s a blessing to have you here. 🙂
Donna, at the end of the day, I make it a point pray to the Aura up there for everything. I always talk to him before closing my eyes at night and after opening my eyes in the morning. I thank Him not only for the things that turned out right but also on the things that didn’t. I know that whatever is happening to my life and my family, He’s there so in times plans don’t turn out the way I expect or things I like don’t come my way, I know it’s for the better. BECAUSE, (I seldom profess stuff like this but let me anyway) I believe in Him. It’s him who I ran to in my darkest hour. And I know everything is in accordance with Him. Knowing that He’s up there and knowing that the good will always be there no matter what, makes me compassionate on my faith – to Him, to my family, to the sun, the stars, the green trees, the mountains, the seas, the animals …
I may not have exactly answered each of the questions, Donna, but I know you got the message. You were right in saying that it’s not uncommon for people to avoid discussions revolving around faith and spirituality because it’s often considered “taboo” to do so. Yet, for many of us it is the strength behind our words and actions. That’s why I thank you for doing it through this post. THANK YOU!
I love this comment too Sony! I noticed that it was a little bit different than your first comment, but equally as beautiful my friend. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts. And thanks for mentioning the animals. 🙂
I hope that the “light” brings you peace and happiness always. May the light guide you even during your darkest hours! Stay blessed my friend. 🙂
It’s because I kept omitting/adding words just to submit comments. If I didn’t, wordpress will keep saying that what I was submitting is a duplicate comment.
Wow! That sounds like a lot to do Sony. I’m just glad that I found your comments in my spam folder. I guess it must be fate. One comment just wasn’t enough from you! Ha! Ha! Now I get to enjoy all of your comments. Isn’t that a blessing? 🙂
Your words, your visions, your heart felt comments are a “light” to us. Thank you for the recent comment. So beautiful and full of positivity. I was able to find Sony’s comment. Thank you. God bless you my friend and your wonderful family.
That’s so kind of you to say IT! I share the same sentiments about you my friend. And your comments are always warm and inspiring. Just beautiful! Also, that’s good news about Sony’s comments. I’m glad I could help out. Stay blessed my friend. 🙂
Tag, you’re it! 🙂 http://cafe23.me/2012/02/22/tag-youre-it/
Thanks Cafe! That looks like a lot of fun! And it always puts a smile on my face when other bloggers think of my blog. I really do appreciate it! 🙂
Thank you, once again, for serving as “the guiding light”!
Whoa! That is a lot to live up to my friend! It sure does sound good though. Ha! Ha! Thanks very much for being an inspiration Sony. 🙂
I think of myself as a spiritual person and my beliefs center around the idea that everything (and everyone) is connected. When we can see ourselves in others, compassion comes easily – as long as our eyes and hearts are open to see that connection. I find that I can just as easily get caught up in my own little world, too, and lose touch with this. Every soul is a work in progress, I guess. 🙂
Thanks for your beautiful comment! I love how you wrote, “When we can see ourselves in others, compassion comes easily – as long as our eyes and hearts are open to see that connection.” I couldn’t agree more! Nonetheless, I can certainly understand how busy our lives can be, and we could possibly lose sight of this. I like to say that we are not perfect beings but merely human. 🙂
Thanks again for commenting and subscribing. It’s always nice to meet new bloggers. I hope that you drop by again soon! 🙂
This is what I really need for a comeback…a guiding light.
I was inspired with your post Donna,I can sense the positive aura from it.I believe that I have a deep understanding of what we call faith in God that it serves as my guide whenever I’m facing hardships in life.God is the reason on why I am compassionate with other people and even to other living things.Sometimes I see myself in you having a profound love for others even animals..=)
Thanks very much John for your touching comment! I appreciate you sharing your beautiful and inspiring words my friend.
As you wrote, “ I believe that I have a deep understanding of what we call faith in God that it serves as my guide whenever I’m facing hardships in life.” That’s beautiful John! Isn’t it comforting to know that we can always turn to the “light” during difficult times?
And I think that’s truly awesome to hear that you are such a compassionate person. I can’t say that I’m surprised though. Your words have always been so kind and generous. And you’re so thoughtful about the less fortunate in your country. God bless you John! 🙂
A guiding light is always good to have while heading down the road call life. For me there are so many sources of lights in life I feel quite fortunate. Sometimes it’s an inner spiritual voice, sometimes it’s my love ones, some times is my friend, sometimes it’s nature, sometimes it’s just time and space. A very inspiring post, so full of positive thinking – and a reminder of what is important in life.
What a lovely comment Otto! I think that’s great that you have many different “lights” in your life. We can never have too many sources of light in our lives. By the way, I feel quite fortunate to meet inspiring bloggers like you. My blogging friends bring lots of “light” to my blog. So, thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts. 🙂
The Guiding Light it’s a very interestig title which can evoque lots of different feelings.
Nice photo! I just loved it 🙂
Thanks Andrea for your generous compliments! It’s nice to hear that you enjoyed my photo of the lighthouse. It was a bit cloudy that day, so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I’m not a professional photographer. It’s just point-and-shoot for me. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by and commenting. It’s great to have you here. 🙂
Perhaps we have compassion built inside of us naturally, but for some, either through traumatic events in their upbringing or by choice, compassion, is buried and replaced with fear. Sometimes in fear with live out our hurts so compassion is not seen. My guide in life is the constant search for my purpose here on earth. Did I live today with God’s intentions? Thank you for a lovely mind search and for your visit over at my place. It’s a pleasure to meet you!
Thanks Sunshine for your wonderful comment! I appreciate you sharing your thought provoking perspective. I think that you made some great points about fear and compassion. I guess the real challenge is overcoming that fear in order to live a more fulfilling and compassionate life. By the way, it was my pleasure to drop by your blog. I love your optimistic spirit. Your WordPress name “Sunshine” fits you perfectly. 🙂
Since you asked the question, I’ve decided to answer it… even though I understand that there is a taboo involved, and I don’t feel the need to convince anyone, or argue with anyone about the subject. I am a religious man, and have been so all my life. The things that you mention in your post, are to me, inherent in life. Spirit and matter are interwoven, in my understanding of this world.
I really appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts Shimon! It’s a blessing when others share their perspective. It makes my day all the more brighter. So, thanks very much for brightening my day with your beautiful heartfelt words. I wish you lots of peace and happiness! 🙂
Thanks for a very nice post. Do I regard myself as a spiritual person? I think so, but I don’t have a clear idea about how it works. But I am not religious in a traditional sense. For me compassion is part of being spiritual. Connect with other people and higher powers – whatever that is.
Thanks again Otto for another wonderful comment! That’s very kind of you to do so. I feel very fortunate that my blog has become a beautiful “tapestry of thoughts.” I’m very appreciative for it. May the light shine bright for you and your family! 🙂
The lighthouse is beautiful. Congratulations to you and your hubby for climbing all the way to the top. I bet the view was amazing. You are our guiding light when it comes to making us appreciate nature in a more personal, inspiring way. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed the lighthouse IT! It really is a pretty sight to see. I think it would be cool to climb to the top of it during the evening just before sunset. It would be great to get some photos of the sun setting. Maybe next time if they are open around that time. 🙂
Thanks again for your very kind words. I think we guide and inspire each other. We all have many different passions in life. I believe it’s important to share them with each other. The more we know, the more we grow (just made that one up)! 🙂