| My heart broke with compassion as I watched King Théoden give up: “The fortress is taken. It is over… So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?”
It wasn’t the first time I’d watched this epic trilogy. In fact, I’d probably seen it several dozen times, but this was the first time I’d connected with the character of King Théoden. Recently released from the dark spell he’d been put under by a man who’d pledged to be his chief advisor, this royal’s first response to an approaching enemy was to hide in a mountain rather than ride out to meet them.
I can’t blame him. That’s what I’ve been doing. I lost every scrap of trust in my instincts and intuition. It’s terrifying to wake up from a spell and realize that you literally gave too much power -- your power -- to someone who wanted nothing more than to use you for their own shady purposes.
But his retreat hadn’t stopped the enemy.
As the banging on the door became louder, Théoden realized he had been trapped [by his own fearful choice] and would have surrendered himself and his people to death if not for the challenge of another king: “Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them.”
“For death and glory?” Théoden mocked.
“For Rohan. For your people,” Aragorn answered, unmoved.
“The sun is rising,” Gimli interjected as light streamed through the window, reminding them of Gandalf’s promise: “Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east.”
Immediately, the king’s courage returned and he rode out to meet the enemy with his allies at his side and the promise that his most powerful ally was going to show up at exactly the right moment.
Tears streamed down my face when Gandalf appeared in the east and blinded the enemy. It was the true turning point of the battle and the affirmation to the audience that LIGHT WILL ALWAYS WIN.
*****
This week, I was chatting with my oldest Lord of The Rings buddy [who I affectionately call Sam Wise] about what’s happening in the world -- the pandemic, social injustice, possible election fraud, etc. -- and we agreed that this is the darkest we have seen it in our lifetime.
As I set down my phone, I wondered, “At first light…” Hmmm… The solstice is Monday. Maybe the Light is about to return and push back the Darkness in more ways than just the seasonal event, especially with that special astrological event everyone is talking about.
Today marks the day in our calendar when the light begins to return, and many people who follow the cycles of nature agree that it is a powerful time to set intentions. And I've heard numerous astrologers explain that this big astrological event usually precedes dramatic shifts in cultures.
You know what that means?
Well, I believe it means that some of our
wildest dreams and intentions for massive paradigm shifts and system reforms are ready to be seen by a world
that’s systems are falling apart at the seams.
[If you don’t know about the astrological event -- what it means and what it has preceded in our history -- I suggest you do a little research.
I love Michael Lennox's take on this. Pretty awesome stuff.]
So today, I am inspired to leave you with two invitations:
#1 Set aside 25 - 60 minutes today to take some deep breaths, ask “What is it that I am here to embody, share, and/or create in the world in 2021?”, and then write your answer(s) to this question for a minimum of 20 minutes. Don’t think. Just write. Don’t edit. Just write. Don’t judge or second-guess. Just write. There is a wisdom inside of us that emerges through our pen much faster than it articulates itself in our minds. Write it all down.
When you’re done, read through it and underline or highlight the bits that make your heart flutter with excitement or your stomach churn with resistance.
Finally, ask, “What is the first step I need to take to bring this Light into the world?”
#2
If you feel that flutter or stomach churn, check out this two-day event I’m facilitating in January: Your Sacred Contribution.
It’s for any aspiring or seasoned change agent who needs a little more
- Clarity [What is it exactly that I am inspired to share?]
- Capacity [What strategy, information, skills, etc. do I need to make this happen?]
- Community [Who is going to help me, cuz I don’t want to do this alone?]
This will be a virtual event, and I’m excited to share that my son is going to help me facilitate at least one section of it. He adds serious levels of fun to clarity and transformation!
And there’s a “Bring a Friend for Free” option, so you can make this a last-minute Christmas gift or share the cost with someone in your life who is also here to change the world.
Happy Solstice, my friends!
May all of your intentions to bring LIGHT to this world be blessed…
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| | Founder, True to Intention
Smart-Mouthed Seeker | Unapologetic Story Junkie | Message Oracle | Messenger Guide
Mom | Wife | Friend | Witness to Divine Intention through Story
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