“To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” ~ Mother Teresa
When I first read this quote my mind flitted to the word “replenish”. What do I need to replenish everyday? I need to replenish my mind, my body and my spirit. My mind needs the stimulation of new ideas. My body needs more good food and exercise and my spirit needs to be moved by the “lights” that cross my path each day.
Those lights come in many forms. Television is one source of that light. News, dramas, and talk shows make me think and ponder. Conversations with people I spend my days with are another source of that light. As soon as I enter the yoga studio or sit down at a table in Panera for lunch with a friend, I immediately smile. The smile leads to animated conversation. When I leave yoga or the lunch, I can actually feel the infusion of energy my spirit just received. Nature is another form of spiritual replenishment. Beach walks or just looking out my backdoor and watching the antics of birds and squirrels in my garden cause that same infusion of energy to my spirit, but in a gentler, much quieter manner than in a conversation. Replenishment of mind, body, and spirit. Why must I be so diligent about it?
Because I, too, am a light for the people I encounter everyday. I do for them what they do for me. How do I want to put myself out there? Do I want to appear sick, sad, and needy or do I want to appear smiling, excited about life, and ready to participate and give? I pick the second way.
In order to appear positive and excited about mundane everyday life – (because, you see, therein lies the challenge – mundane everyday life – not just when something good happens), is reason enough to practice replenishment. Daily, constant, replenishment of mind, body, and spirit.
And so, as another day goes by, I am once again reminded of the importance of diligent replenishment, conscious of the kind of light I want to be, and…I have written.
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