It’s the fourth day of the eight-day holiday of Chanukah*, a yearly celebration that has many important spiritual messages. The one we want to focus on here is the message of how a little bit of light can expel a whole lot of darkness.
If you are in a completely dark room, and you light a match, that flaming light becomes the focal point of all your attention.
In the darkest time of year, winter, when sunset is early, the candles of the Chanukah menorah light up the year.
So much has been written about this, but we’d like to share the idea that by focusing on the bright points in any situation, no matter how dark, you create a focal point. When you focus on that one point of light, it becomes your guide.
Over the years, one (of several) indicators that someone will stay committed to the recovery process for mental illness – such as depression, anxiety, other mental illness or addiction – is their determination to teach themselves how to focus on the good, the bright points, no matter how small. It doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly; it doesn’t mean that symptoms will disappear completely or be cured; but it does mean that positivity and hope will guide the way.
Happy Chanukah,
From Richard and C.R.
*Don’t worry how it’s spelled, Hanukka, Chanukah, Khanekeh are all just attempts at transliteration of the original Hebrew word which means “dedication.”
