Amanda Gorman's poem at the recent presidential inauguration captivated our collective soul with its powerful words and heartfelt delivery. In times of darkness, her message struck a chord, urging us to seek and become light ourselves. As Gorman eloquently stated, “There is always light if we’re only brave enough to see it, if we’re only brave enough to be it.” She challenges us to find our inner light and share it with the world around us. Here are five simple ways to help you share your light.

1. Increase Your Inner Light

Before you can share your light, you need to nurture it within yourself. You can't light up others if your own flame is flickering. Discover what truly fuels your spirit by assessing all of your connections—with others, with the universe, and with yourself. What activities fill you with joy and peace? Is it spending time outdoors, practicing a hobby, or meditating? The more you engage in activities that bring you joy and confidence, the stronger your inner light will shine, positively impacting those around you.

“Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” – Lao Tzu

2. Put Your Phone Down

Technology, while useful, often disrupts our spiritual well-being and disconnects us from meaningful interactions. Start by occasionally putting your phone aside and observe your surroundings. You might strike up a conversation with someone new at the grocery store or notice when a friend is feeling low. Constantly looking down not only strains your neck but also creates barriers between you and others. Engage with the world directly, smile at a passerby, and allow your light to touch those around you.

“The connection with a few friends is so deep that when you spend time together, it feels like you slip into another dimension, a space where you all feel free and safe to share the realest versions of yourselves, a home where time stops and joy shines without limits.” — Yung Pueblo

3. Build a Spiritual Practice

A consistent spiritual practice can help you feel more grounded and connected. Whether it's reading sacred texts, meditating, journaling, or practicing yoga, find what works best for you. Invite friends or family to join you in these activities. Sharing your spiritual journey can deepen connections and create meaningful discussions. Apps like Skylight offer various spiritual exercises and a supportive community to help you on this path.

“With every person who becomes conscious, we form a new world built on collaboration, creativity, unity, acceptance, trust, curiosity—and we each remember who we actually are.” — Dr. Nicole LePera

4. Find Ways to Serve

Connecting with your community through acts of service is a powerful way to share your light. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, donating blood, or supporting a friend in need, serving others not only spreads love but also fosters a sense of belonging. Acts of kindness remind us that we are all connected and never alone. True unity and collective well-being begin with individual acts of service. Organizations like Just Serve can help you discover local volunteering opportunities in your area.‍

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” — Eckhart Tolle

5. Recognize the Importance of Kindness

David Brooks, a columnist for the NY Times, pointed out that many societal problems stem from people feeling unseen. The ability to truly see and understand others starts with kindness. Consider the energy you wish to surround yourself with—positive or negative? Small acts of kindness can have a massive impact. Smile at strangers, hold the door open, or surprise a friend with a thoughtful text. Kindness is contagious and has a ripple effect, touching lives in ways you may never realize.

“Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.” — Rumi

Conclusion

The more light and positive energy you project, the better you'll feel—and the better everyone else will feel around you too. Care for yourselves, let your inner light shine, and share it freely with the world. You may be surprised by the positive changes that unfold in all areas of your life.
Incorporating these practices into your daily life can significantly uplift your own spirit while positively influencing those around you. Take the steps to nurture and share your light, and watch as the world around you brightens.

Other Related Articles:

How Comparison is Dimming Your Spiritual Light
How to Find Light in the Darkness of Grief
Showing Love Despite Spiritual Differences

Other Related Exercises:

Light of the Universe
Dark Before Light
Yoga For Love & Light With Rehl