Gratitude for the Light

People who live at northern latitudes have a special relationship with light—whether it be sunlight, moonlight, headlights, mood lights, or even the northern lights. During the summer, I bask in the light, allowing the warmth of the sun to filter throughout my body. By June, there’s so much light I almost take it for granted. During the winter, when there’s very little light, I consciously look for it and photograph it when I can.

What I love about winter light are the colors. Purple and pink alpenglow, blue shadows of afternoon light, green from the northern lights. Some of the sunsets this year have been phenomenal. I had a friend this winter complain about the dreary, gray days. I showed her some pictures from my phone and said, “Always find the light and take a photo.” A week later she was in Juneau and she texted me a photo of Gastineau Channel. The sun reflecting off the water was stunning.

Now that the days are growing longer and the color of light is changing to a brighter yellow, I feel like my energy and outlook are changing too. After a tough 2022, I spent the last two months recuperating, resting, recharging. Along with the emerging longer days, I’m coming out of hibernation myself, eager to take longer walks, meet up with people, engage more in the community.

I’m focusing on inner light as well. I imagine light inside my heart, radiating out to create a calm and positive mindset. It’s working! Sunlight provides energy to the earth, just as positive and optimistic thinking provides energy to ourselves and to others. I’m looking forward to the changing light, both inside and out, as spring progresses.