"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

– Thich Nhat Hanh

Sunday, November 6, 2017, a group of us was finishing up a multi-day meditation retreat. Our group of Zen meditation practitioners had been there for four days. During those four days, our schedule included long periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, working meditation, eating meditation, and free-time periods where we often wandered alone in the beautiful nature. After several full days of complete silence, surrounded by chirping birds, fresh wild animal footprints, and the smell of the pine wood where we were staying, I felt so much peace, love, and joy.

The last meal of our retreat was an informal lunch, during which everyone was allowed to talk so we could get to know each other a little bit before departing on our own way and say our goodbyes. I felt so much love and peace. Everyone felt the same way. We appreciated each other, appreciated this world and all the goodness that it has to offer. The smiles, the laughter and the chatting were joyously resonating all around me.

About this time, Sister Florence came out. She was one of the two Catholic nuns who cared for that place and had been cooking for us during the retreat. Sister Florence and Sister Rita were two of the kindest, most loving, most caring, and upbeat people I had ever known. They always greeted us with the warmest, brightest smiles and the tightest hugs. Sister Florence had even sung for us to say goodbye during our previous retreats there. The sisters taught me to do things with mindfulness, do things with love and with heart, more than any Zen practice could have taught me. Sister Florence came out with teary eyes and told us about the shooting inside a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Our hearts broke. We didn’t know what to say. The tragedy was too much to bear, and the fact that the killer struck inside a church where people gather for worship, for fellowship, for love was too much to accept.

After the love and joy that we experienced, we were brought back to the reality of life that there was still so much pain, suffering, and sadness in this world.

I could feel her pain. I could feel everyone’s pain. In place of the laugher and chatting that was going on a few minutes earlier, it was a dreaded silence.

Sister Florence spoke again: “I so appreciated the time you spent here over the last few days with us. We need more peace and love in this world. We need more people like you. Go and be the change you want to see in the world. Be a light in the world.”

She was right. Each of us has the potential to be a light in the world. Each of us has the intelligence and the resourcefulness to make a positive difference. If you think not, think about the last time someone smiled at you when you needed it most; think about the last time someone gave you a hug and comforted you. Think about someone saying something encouraging to you and lifting you up. Can you be that person to others?

As for me, I walked away thinking about what I could do. Her words sank in. What can I do to be the change and a light in the world? And a light bulb formed. I had experienced so much love and joy in the last few days. I could share this meditation practice with others. Meditation helped me greatly, and I had practiced it for many years. I knew it could be a great instrument to help individuals find joy, peace, and love. I found a studio and started meditation classes for the community. Several groups came and practiced regularly. It gave me so much joy to see how relaxed people felt after each session. I knew I was doing a small part toward being the change I want to see in the world.

Being a light in the workplace involves embodying qualities that uplift and inspire those around you. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging situations. Just as our breath flows in and out, so too do challenging moments come and go. One cannot hold onto an in-breath or an out-breath forever. Similarly, challenging situations shall pass. Remember that our optimism can be contagious, contributing to a more pleasant work environment.

Show empathy toward your colleagues by mindfully listening to their concerns and offering support when needed. Compassion fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie among team members.

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their position or background. Small acts of kindness, such as expressing gratitude or helping, can go a long way toward brightening someone's day.

Interact mindfully with your coworkers by attentively acknowledging their accomplishments and difficulties. Embrace their successes with genuine celebration and offer uplifting encouragement during moments of setback.

Practice meditation to calm the noise in your mind, allowing you to come up with creative ideas. When your brain is cluttered with distractions, worries, or constant chatter, it can be challenging to tap into your creative potential. Creating a calm mental space allows you to access your imagination more freely, enabling innovative ideas to emerge.

Strive for personal and professional growth by continuously learning and developing new skills. Share your knowledge and experiences with others and encourage a culture of lifelong learning within the workplace.

By embodying these qualities and behaviors, you can be a beacon of light in the workplace, inspiring and uplifting those around you to strive for excellence and create a positive and fulfilling work environment.

What will you do today to be a light in the world?