Out of the Darkness and into the Light
Photo by Martha Lynn Mangum
Have you ever experienced total darkness—where there is a complete absence of light? I recently went cave canoeing in Belize and had an opportunity to sit in the darkest of dark. We started the adventure paddling through a hole in the side of a hill. As we moved deeper into the cave, the light gradually faded, and the use of headlamps became necessary to illuminate our surroundings.
Inside, the cave was absolutely stunning. We observed stalagmites and stalactites stretching toward each other from the cave floor and ceiling. Some formations contained crystals that shimmered like diamonds when illuminated. As we navigated around these formations, we discovered evidence of ancient Mayan artifacts. The only way to fully appreciate these wonders was by directing our headlamps where our guide instructed. Without that light, I would have missed so much—beauty hidden in darkness, waiting to be revealed.
Photo by Martha Lynn Mangum
Deep within the cave, our guide asked us to turn off our headlamps. I had never experienced such absolute darkness. My brain struggled to comprehend it—my eyes were open, yet I could see nothing. It was unsettling, and I could feel my mind trying to process the reality of complete blindness. Without light, I had no way to get my bearings. If I lost my lamp, I wouldn’t be able to navigate my way out. While I logically knew I was safe, an uneasy feeling crept in—the "what ifs" playing in my mind.
This experience serves as a powerful analogy for how we navigate life’s challenges. Much of our resistance to trying new things, considering different perspectives, or taking fresh approaches is driven by our fear of the unknown—being "in the dark" about what might happen. When we lack experience or certainty, we often freeze or create stories to make ourselves feel more comfortable. This can leave us stuck, unable to move forward. It takes courage to step into the unknown.
Another challenge in problem-solving is having too narrow a focus—like a flashlight that only illuminates a limited scope. Sometimes, we need to step back and broaden our perspective. By shifting our focus, we may discover alternative solutions we hadn’t considered before.
As I sat in total darkness, my other senses began to heighten. I became aware of subtle sounds—the drip of water through rock, the gentle ripple of water against our canoes. I noticed the cool, earthy scent of the cave and even the presence of bats. My initial fear faded, replaced by curiosity and awareness. Sitting with discomfort allowed me to shift my perspective. If I can embrace the uncertainty of the dark, I can open myself to new insights. When we pause, listen, and seek to understand, we may find unexpected solutions and greater clarity.
When we turned our headlamps back on and paddled back, the cave looked entirely different. Seeing the formations from a new angle revealed stunning details we hadn’t noticed before. Just like in life, the challenges and solutions we face are multi-dimensional. There is always more than one way to "see" things—both in darkness and in light. Each serves a purpose in our growth.
What challenges are you facing right now? Are you willing to sit in the dark for a while to discover where you can illuminate new solutions?
May you find your way,
Martha Lynn
Fundamental of the Week #19: FIX PROBLEMS AT THE SOURCE
Address issues by discovering the root cause rather than only focusing on the symptoms or the consequences. Seek improvement by developing long-term solutions.
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