I was watching an old YouTube video about a homeless Korean boy who sang on a Korean talent show. The beauty of his gift shone through, as the judges and audience connected not only with his singing and voice. They also connected with the story of a boy who, abandoned at three and beaten as a child, learned to live on the streets. He did not use his past to limit his present. He saw a vocalist and practiced his singing. He did not rely on others to tell him he was good. He says that he sings because when he sings, he becomes a different person.
We all arrive on this earth in a particular package—at a particular time in history, born into particular family circumstance, in a particular geography, with a given race and gender, and everything else our DNA provides. We all experience the world alone, as we navigate the confusing world of human experience, learning how to belong and feel accepted. As the young Korean teaches all of us, the package that encases the beautiful gifts we hold inside awaits our willingness to look inside. Once inside and connected with what we love, we have every opportunity to make choices that either enables our brilliance to shine for the betterment of the planet or not.
Either way, the choice is ours. The package is perfect for our unique path. The past is merely a context from which to gather strength or define ourselves as victims. The road is different for each of us. The journey is the shared human experience of life unfolding.
As we begin the New Year, there is much healing to be done on this planet. AND there are many beautiful gifts to be expressed in the form of the light we all hold. What can we choose that ignites our passion, opens our hearts to our own gifts and shines the light on others’ gifts to uplift a world needing a bit more light? What will it take for each of us to celebrate the package AND for the good of all—look inside? A treasure that has the potential to bring great joy awaits expression.
Let’s make 2012 the year we turn on the light. Happy New Year
