by Melanie Gruenwald

There’s an adage a historian once called a law of history, true of every society across the ages. The adage is, only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars.

The light, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.

~ Vice President, Kamala Harris

 

Finding light in darkness- a message for our time. When the world seems dangerous, unsafe, and unpredictable, how do we show up? How do we take care of ourselves, and the people around us?

This isn’t a commentary on the election, as much as it a commentary on the state of the world. When I’ve struggled with grief and loss, this is where I’ve found light and strength.

Recognize that nothing is forever.

Nothing. All we have is this moment, and that’s not forever, either. These times, these feelings, will change. Perhaps for better, perhaps for worse, but they will change. When I live with a constant awareness of impermanence, I also release my attachment to what is, and can look with hope to the future.

 

The world is full of nuance.

Nobody, no thing, no experience, is clearly black and white. In my life, I constantly learn from other people’s narratives and experiences. What would it look like to sit in someone else’s seat and understand their concerns and fears, values, and informing experiences? I am reading David Brooks’s book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. It has given me good reminders about narrative and perspective of the whole person.

 

Change is hard.

Transitions can be full of growth, and they can be full of opportunity. They can also be full of pain and grief. Both/and. We can mourn changes, shifting expectations, and hold all the feelings and experiences that come with that. Feel the feels, hold them tenderly with curiosity. Allow yourself to recognize, “yes, this is hard.” And, see point #1. Nothing is forever.

 

We must continue to engage.

We need to keep engaging—especially when the world feels overwhelming. Loneliness can feel consuming, and showing up in community remains vital. As the U.S. Surgeon General’s report highlights, loneliness is more than an emotional state; it’s a public health crisis, increasing our risks of serious physical and mental health issues like heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Half of American adults report feeling lonely, a reality that impacts both individual well-being and the fabric of our communities.

Additionally, Pew Research shows a drop in community interactions and neighborhood connections. Fewer adults know or engage with their neighbors, leading to deeper isolation. These findings underscore that maintaining friendships and community ties doesn’t just improve mental well-being—it’s crucial for our overall health and the resilience of our democracy. Practicing self-care is important, but so is connecting with others.

 

In challenging times, let us be the light we wish to see. When we feel overwhelmed, disheartened, or isolated, we can choose to be a source of hope and resilience. We are, collectively, the stars that can brighten even the darkest skies.

We must not lose sight of our capacity to care for ourselves and each other. Together, through acts of connection, kindness, and understanding, we can foster communities that are resilient and compassionate. Even when the path feels uncertain, remember that the smallest actions—a conversation with a neighbor, a kind word to a friend, or showing up for a community gathering—can be the spark that lights up the lives around us.

In a world full of change and complexity, let us be each other’s guiding light, illuminating the way forward.

Please join me for a 3-week mini-mester in December, on Finding Light in Darkness