In the Land of Smoke and Mirrors

Things are not as they seem.

Photo by Thomas W. Harding

In the Land of Smoke and Mirrors, do not believe everything you think.

The thoughts a barrage of unworthiness, hatred, fear, despair. Taunting us with a seemingly unending list of evidence proving this dark, grim reality. The haunting visuals, words, and feelings, can echo in our minds.

My friend, do not fall prey to these specters of your mind.

Moving through our darkness, and the themes it takes at different times of our lives, please, my friend, remember: things are not as they seem.

The show these parts of our mind create, with their lurking shadows, distorting flashing lights, and ominous voices, can distract and confuse, paralyze or enrage. 

Please, my friend, remember, this is just a stage.

If nothing else, remember that this is not real.

Call to the light. Remember that it exists.

Sometimes, looking up, seeing that the light is still there, amidst all the confused mess, is enough to beam us out, and give us a wider perspective.

Other times, it may be like traversing through a dark, slippery cave, seeking the crack where a small glimmer of light enters. As you feel your way through the shadows, my friend, remember, that things aren't as they seem. Take your time, remember the light. Remember that love exists. Follow your nose to fresher air, and trust that I am here with you. Though it may seem it sometimes, you are not alone.

When you've made it to higher ground and fresher air, when the tenuousness of your journey has passed, breathe.

Perhaps, pause, look back, and see things for what they really are.

As the superfluous special effects begin to deflate, and special lighting dies down, do you see the man behind the curtain, the boggarts, the path through the "fun house" more clearly?

What was this elaborate, convincing, and even painful display all about?

Underneath it all, you may notice a small kernel of truth. A need. A longing. An ache for love, acceptance, peace, belonging, healing, safety, freedom, to be seen. A call to receive something that a part of you may have been needing deeply for so very long, a part of you hidden in shame, and a vulnerable hope that its need may actually be met. 

Now your path is more clear. Learn to invite in this love, compassion, and awareness. Trust that you are worthy to receive it. You are.

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If you are traversing through darkness, your Land of Smoke and Mirrors, or know someone who is, you do not have to navigate through it alone. Reach out to someone who can help you remember what is True, to call out Illusion, and feel your way back to your connection to light. I'm no stranger to these lands, and would walk through it with you in a second if you ask. I've got my torch bright and blazing and at the ready to help us find our way through.

With so much love for you,

Sarah


P.S. If a thought feels like sh*t when you think it, it doesn't contain fundamental Truth.