Stepping into the light when it’s dark

Do you find it hard to keep stepping into the light when it’s dark? Metaphorically and physically, this is a season of both dark and light. In the northern hemisphere, our days grow shorter and shorter as we get closer to mid-December. It’s no wonder we celebrate with lights — the Christmas star, tree lights, and decorative displays.

And, many of us hold space in this season for grief as well as celebration. In Alaska and other dark climates, many struggle to stay positive with the lack of light. How do we keep stepping into the light, even when it’s dark?

First, name and notice the darkness

We know about darkness in Alaska. In the deep middle of an Anchorage winter, on December 21, the sun rises at 10:14 a.m. and set at 3:42 p.m., a span of just five hours and 28 minutes of muted daylight. In Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow, 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle), the sun set on November 18 and won’t rise again until January 23.

People in northern climates are very susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a type of depression that sets in with the lack of daylight hours. But it’s not just the lack of sun that can be a problem this time of year. The holiday season can also be a time when we notice our losses or lack. We may grieve loved ones not here, or missed opportunities, especially during the pandemic. As the new year approaches, we sometimes feel the pressure of unmet expectations — or comparison to others who seem to be living the life we want to live.

When we name the darkness, we give words to what makes us feel heavy or sad.

Second, look for light sources

We know intuitively that we need darkness to appreciate the light. But, if we focus only on the darkness, we’re easily overwhelmed. Once we’ve identified the darkness, it’s important to seek out light sources!

When you’re sensitive to the changing light conditions, it’s important to note when the daylight is declining and pull out your lights! One of the main antidotes to seasonal depression is “light therapy,” or prolonged exposure to light.

Likewise, both mentally and emotionally, we have to seek out the bright spots, especially in dark seasons. It’s important to find the light that already exists in the darkness. Look for the positive and be wary of being sucked into the negative as you navigate rough times or situations.

Third, CREATE light

In the darkest of days, we have to make our light, even if it’s the tiniest of lights. In Alaska, many people hang white lights throughout the winter, not just at the holidays. These beautiful lights bring cheer to the darker season.

“It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Similarly, we must not only focus on the positive in our life situations, but work hard to create positive outcomes. In The Lightmaker’s Manifesto, author Karen Walrond says: “If we work for the causes around which we have passion — especially if we do it in a spirit of caring, courage, and generosity — joy may naturally follow. And joy is light, right? We create light!

And finally, spread the light

There’s an old campfire song I recall, “Pass it on.” The song, written in 1969 by Kurt Kaiser, begins: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around, can warm up in its glowing.”

We can be the light, the encouragement, for others. We can put lights up in our homes and yards, invite others to connect during the holiday season, and reach out to those who are hurting.

“There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

– Edith Wharton, American Novelist

When we’re the positive voice in the room, we are the candle. When we share other positive voices, we are the mirror reflecting the light.

Practical tips for stepping into the light when it’s a darker season

Here are ways to intentionally find, create and spread the light in the darker seasons:

• Take breaks to go outside in the middle of the day, at the lightest hour. Walk, take pictures of the light shining through the trees, notice bright points.
• Seek out connection, scheduling time with friends and family.
• Notice the positive around you — and point it out to others who may not be in the right framework to notice it.
• Attend and support holiday activities such as concerts, holiday light presentations, and crafting events.
• Reach out to help those less fortunate. Volunteer at a food bank or shelter during the holiday season, or donate food and goods.
• Acknowledge and support friends who are going through dark seasons, especially those who are grieving. Know that you can’t “fix” their pain, but it may be possible to be a bright spot in an otherwise dim time.

A special note for today …

I think of this contrast between light and dark today, on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On this day 80 years ago, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, launching our country into World War II. President Roosevelt declared it as a day that would live in infamy, helping turn the tide of a terrible war. Out of darkness comes light.

December 7 holds space for me personally also, as the birthday of a dear friend who we lost too early. When I think of her in this season, I hold space for the loss of her presence — and also for her delight in the Christmas holiday. She was a crafter and made the most wonderful wooden ornaments, felted Santa Clauses and rustic snowmen. I treasure her memory as I pull out my Christmas decorations. It’s fitting that I will hang many of them on the tree later today.

In this season of dark and light, may you find yourself stepping into the light. May you find, create and spread the light to others. And, may you feel the sense of God’s presence in your life as a healing light.