Today, as I savoured a coffee, watching the whales and their calves on their return migration back down the coast I gazed at the majestic lighthouse towering above, and I couldn’t help but ponder on the profound symbolism it holds in our lives.
The lighthouse, standing resolutely at the cliff’s edge, emanates a sense of constancy and trust. Its purpose is crystal clear: to guide and provide safety to those navigating tumultuous waters. A stalwart structure, it withstands the harshest of storms, a beacon of hope and of sanctuary in the darkest of nights.
In its solitude, the lighthouse also holds immense responsibility. It requires ongoing maintenance and care to fulfil its duty effectively. A lighthouse keeper tends to it, ensuring it stands strong and the light remains bright, and operational for even a lighthouse cannot stand entirely alone.
This simple yet immensely responsible role is a reminder that complexity, if not managed and cared for, can diminish the brilliance of our guiding light. Like a lighthouse, we too operate in both light and darkness, bearing the responsibility of being a guiding light for others and also lighting the way for ourselves and navigating our own storms.
Perched on the highest land and perilously close to the dangers of the sea, the lighthouse braves the fiercest winds and rains. A beacon of strength, it stands out amidst the dangers below. Its light, a focal point, symbolises strength, guidance, and safe harbour, reaching out in all directions.
What struck me profoundly is that while we often focus only on where the light is shining, the lighthouse casts its light 360 degrees, encouraging us to explore the uncharted territories and opportunities that lie beyond our usual vision and experiences. It prompts us to acknowledge the vast possibilities that surround us and utilise its guidance for our journeys.
Life, undoubtedly, is a journey of highs and lows, and it’s easy to become consumed by the rough seas and impending dangers. Yet, the lighthouse stands as a testament to endurance, offering stability and illuminating the potential that lies ahead.
In the midst of life’s storms, we have the choice to identify our own personal lighthouse, the guiding force that steers us toward inner peace. Though the tempest may seem relentless, storms do ultimately subside, and we can set sail again, embarking on new adventures with renewed strength.
The lighthouse, to me, embodies resilience, hope, and the unwavering light within that can highlight our own fortitude. It beckons us to navigate through the roughest waters, guiding us to our own inner sanctuary. We also need to ensure that we have a lighthouse keeper to tend to the maintenance and care along the way so that just like the lighthouse, we have the power to illuminate our own path, leading ourselves to calmer seas and exciting horizons.
Here’s to finding a lighthouse or being a lighthouse in someone else’s storm.
Dr Nat xx