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A Reflection on Energy, Warmth, and Nurturing Yourself

The Inspiration of Chanukah

The other night, as I lit the Chanukah candles, I found myself mesmerized by their small but powerful flames.

Chanukah reminds us of the beauty of light, especially in the darkest of times. It’s not just about the light we see, but the light we create — the light we nurture within ourselves. Watching the flames grow each night, I couldn’t help but reflect on the question:

Where am I sourcing my light?

This letter comes from that reflection, an exploration of where we draw our energy, what fuels us, and how we can intentionally brighten our lives.

When Life Feels Heavy

There are moments when life feels overwhelming. Days when it’s hard to get out of bed, when the weight of responsibilities or emotions feels too heavy to carry.

In those moments, it’s easy to turn to distractions — to scroll endlessly on our phones, to overeat, to avoid the things that matter most. But what we don’t realize is that these behaviors dim our light instead of replenishing it.

I’ve been there. I’ve felt drained, disconnected, and unsure of where to turn. It’s in those moments that I had to ask myself:

• What am I using to fuel myself?
• Am I drawing from positive sources that uplift me, or am I relying on quick fixes that leave me feeling more depleted?

The truth is, when we avoid the light — whether it’s literal sunlight or the metaphorical light of connection and clarity — we stay stuck in the dark.

The Role of Warmth in Our Lives

Warmth is more than just physical heat. It’s an emotional and spiritual force that nurtures and sustains us.

Think of the people in your life who bring warmth into your days — the ones who make you feel seen, supported, and loved. Think of the moments when you felt truly at ease, surrounded by light and comfort.

Now think of the times when that warmth was missing.

Without warmth, it’s hard to thrive. We feel cold, disconnected, and lost. But the good news is, we can create warmth for ourselves, just like the sun provides warmth for the earth.

The Benefits of Light: Why It Matters

Light is more than just brightness — it’s life-giving. Here’s what light does for us:

• Emotionally: Sunlight triggers serotonin, the hormone that regulates our mood and helps us feel balanced.
• Physically: Exposure to sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which strengthens our bones, boosts our immune system, and enhances our energy.
• Mentally: Natural light improves focus, clarity, and productivity.
• Spiritually: Warmth and light often symbolize connection, hope, and guidance.

But light isn’t just about the sun. It’s also about how we bring brightness into our lives through our habits, choices, and relationships.

Where Are You Drawing Your Energy From?

Every day, we draw energy from something — whether it’s the people we surround ourselves with, the food we eat, or the way we spend our time.

Some sources fuel us:

• A meaningful conversation with a loved one.
• A nourishing meal.
• A walk in nature or time spent in the sun.
• A creative project or fulfilling work.

Other sources drain us:

• Toxic relationships.
• Mindless scrolling on social media.
• Overworking without rest or care.
• Ignoring our emotional and physical needs.

What about you?

• Where are you sourcing your energy?
• Are you spending time brightening your day, or are you avoiding the light?

What Happens When the Light Turns On?

Light is a clarifier. It shows us where we are, what’s working, and what’s not.

But sometimes, we avoid the light because it reveals things we don’t want to see:

• A habit that isn’t serving us.
• A relationship that needs attention.
• An area of our life we’ve been neglecting.

Avoiding the light doesn’t make these things go away — it just leaves us in the dark.

But when we step into the light, even when it feels uncomfortable, we create space for growth, healing, and clarity.

Bringing It All Together

Sourcing your light is about more than just getting through the day. It’s about nurturing yourself so you can show up fully for your life and the people around you.

Here’s what I want you to remember:

• You can create light and warmth in your life through small, intentional actions.
• The light you nurture in yourself becomes a source of energy for others.
• When you step into the light, you step into clarity, connection, and growth.

Reflection Questions

As you move through this week, take some time to reflect:
​What brings light and warmth into my life?​
​Where am I sourcing my energy?​
​What am I avoiding that might be keeping me in the dark?​
​What’s one small action I can take today to brighten my life?

Final Thought

Chanukah reminds us of the power of light in the darkest times. But the lesson isn’t just about candles — it’s about us.

When we nurture our own light, we have the power to illuminate not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.

So this week, I encourage you to pause, reflect, and choose to brighten your day. Because when you light up your world, you make it a better place for everyone in it.

With warmth and clarity,

Esther

For more info about Esther

For Contact Esther@ujjayiinc.com

Esther Levy

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