Within the Diffused Light, There Is A Beam

There are times when I feel scattered and entirely out of control. Finding a balance between my work, home, and personal responsibilities has been a struggle. Some things are necessary, and others are in the want category. I often feel pulled in a million directions, and then I just stop doing everything at some point. Of course, this solution is not the best way to get there.

I have been taking a class with my writing coach, Paolina Milana, and in the last session, there was a discussion; as creatives, the possibilities of our creativity are endless. I mentioned at one point how I am often scattered and not as focused as needed. Paolina introduced me to this -  The same light in a laser beam is in a lightbulb. The only difference is that the light bulb is diffused. This analogy never occurred to me; it got me thinking about how it works. So, I looked it up.

This is what I discovered.

"A laser beam is a highly focused, coherent beam of light with a single wavelength (color), which travels in a very narrow, straight path. In contrast, a light bulb emits light in all directions with various wavelengths, creating a broader spectrum of colors and a much less focused beam. Essentially, a laser beam is highly directional and monochromatic, whereas a light bulb is diffused and polychromatic. 

Key differences:

·        Coherence:

Laser light is coherent, meaning all the light waves are in phase and aligned, while light from a bulb is incoherent, with waves traveling in different directions. 

·        Wavelength:

A laser emits light at a single wavelength, producing a specific color, while a light bulb emits a range of wavelengths, appearing as white light. 

·        Directionality:

A laser beam is highly directional and spreads very little, whereas a light bulb's light spreads in all directions.

I think there is a time and a place for both.

When I am the light bulb, I can spread the white light and travel in all directions. I need to have the range to be vulnerable and share myself unashamedly. I need to be carefree and not focus on anything, allowing me to breathe in the world profoundly and let myself go, to feel all the feelings and not worry about what is happening next, to be just me.

Being the beam means aligning with my true will and letting my focus and attention concentrate on the task at hand. Now, it is time for me to go through and remove all the distractions and miscellaneous internal chatter I no longer need. I need to let go of what does not serve me, such as guilt, worry, frustration, and busy work, because staying busy is easier than thinking about what I need to change or do. When I am busy, my mind focuses on the task at hand, and I do not have the opportunity to delve into the depths of emotions and feelings.

The difference between the beam and the bulb is not the same as being scattered and detailed. It is the chance to be what I need to be when the time arises. I will be the beam when I have a task to complete. I will be the bulb when I need to relax and let go.

Writing this allowed me to gain a better understanding of myself. It encouraged me to allow myself to learn a new way of finding that balance I believe we all look for. Having something that gives me options for dealing with a situation is priceless. I want the same thing for all of you. I encourage you to look for the beam when you need to concentrate and focus. Also, know that it is okay to be the bulb.