Matches, Phosphenes, and Igniting Your Values

on being a light

“But it’s so dark and cold out there,” cried bird.

“Then,” replied bear, “come inside and share my fire.”

…
📷: Endless XL spinning in my shop
…

It looked like any other ordinary box of matches.

Yet in print so small I needed my magnifying glass, it read:

“In case of darkness, strike light for momentary respite.”

And so I did.

A moment, flaring up in reds and blues, a golden halo cutting through the darkness.

Then it was gone. And the shadows returned.

So I struck again. And again. And again.

Until every match was gone, a blackened pyre of half-burnt sticks, twirls of smoke slowly twisting to find the corners of the room, all seeming darker than before.

And that’s when I closed my eyes, and saw the light. Bright, beautiful flare-ups, neurons shooting off fireworks, a sea of stars behind shut lids.

Technically phosphenes, these glowing squiggles and dots serve as a reminder that the light never truly goes out. In fact, it goes in.

And like matches, we become the source:

- Friction > Heat > Chemical reaction > Light

- Friction > Heat > Chemical reaction > Light

- Friction > Heat > Chemical reaction > Light

Igniting your values,
Illuminating your hopes,
Kindling your dreams.

Through your words, with your actions, by holding ground as well as giving consideration, through repetition, striking again, and again at the heart of what matters, what is true, what is right, what is good, lighting a way forward that is better for you, for all.

How can you shine a little extra light in your world today?