Illumination of any kind has always been something I find remarkable. And when you see the whole world glowing like firelies in a grassy space then you know you are in the right place. Simple love. 

The water lantern festival was today. Just as remarkable as I always hoped it would be. As if the world has gathered for the first time in a long time refusing to let the dark conquer the light that every single one of us creates and carries and captures and embellishes. That light carries everything. Lost faces and treasured laces that tie up the wounds of time-dreams an individual chases. 

Watching those lanterns drift by and the messages catch the wind to sail towards the shores of partially mended hearts and hopes for the future. Seeing those lanterns drift in every direction was just another reason to listen and understand that we cannot force the direction we want to travel. The wind carries it out later and as it floats, if we are lucky, it bumps into another lantern. Together-the light is a stronger glow now floating towards yet another lantern that wishes to be illuminated. Support is overhwelming and the whimsical task of illuminating love continues. Ilumination is the bright light of love. 

So as we watch those lantern pass underneath trees and through the shadowy silhouettes of loved ones, families, old and young, we say a little prayer. A prayer that I try to remind myself of daily before I place my head on the pillow and hope to dream of another tomorrow. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."

And so it was beautiful to see tonight the rare occurence of thousands of lanterns illuminating together. Illumination requires a fierceness and a rawness. Because once illuminated, you cannot hide your deepest you. Your secrets and your prayers, your hopes and your losses are glowing bright for all to see. Because it is our rawness that creates a power inside of us to change, to love, to make better, to fix, to forgive, to feel and to live as if our souls are always in a state of illumination. Light over fear. Fierceness over doubt. Illumination over shadows. Find your you, light your soul and allow it float amongst the souls of others.