Last week my children and I witnessed the extraordinary power of the universe. I had awakened my children before dawn to watch the total eclipse of the sun live from Turkey, on the Internet. At 5:15 a.m., my sleepy children and I watched the sun effortlessly glide over the moon. It struck me how nature can move easily from light to darkness and back to light, without fear, doubt or worry. As the light began to fade, I was guided to look within my own heart, to go deep within the darkness we had experienced in our lives and release it fully. I told my children to do the same. Together we all breathed deeply, effortlessly connecting with our inner being.

As we ventured into our hearts, the moon had completely eclipsed the sun. My very intuitive daughter said, "Look at the eclipse; even though the moon is covering the sun, light is coming out the sides." I told them, "The darkness can never fully block the light."

Together we breathed more deeply, savoring the lesson. I then instructed my children to wrap up any feelings in their hearts that they were ready to release and to blow them out as if they were blowing out the candles on their birthday cake. At the same moment that we collectively released what no longer was serving us, the moon moved gently away from the sun. As it did, it revealed the brightest of lights, a beam of light so brilliant that it instantly shifted our awareness from darkness to light. The crowd in Turkey erupted in blissful cheering as it welcomed the return of the sun's magnificent energy.

My children and I allowed this light and joy to fill our minds, bodies and spirits, remembering that the darkness is but a veil that covers the light. Our essential lesson is that light is always present. As you release the darkness, you allow the light to re-emerge. This light is joy, love, peace, health, bliss and strength.

What a metaphor for life this eclipse held for my family and me. Remember, at any moment we can choose to experience the light, even in the darkness. Just for a moment, take a deep breath and go within your own heart. Move safely and easily into the darkness. Wrap up and release what is no longer serving you. Take another deep breath and release it. Allow the light to bathe your entire being. Give thanks and be blessed.

May you and your loved ones be surrounded in love, light and joy.

Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.
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