The heavy Southern California storms and surf have covered the sandy beaches with thousands of small, smooth stones. Enormous waves deposited these stones three layers deep upon the California coast. As I walked along the beach recently, I had to hike carefully to avoid slipping upon the shifting stones. My focus upon the stones marred my normally carefree walk, as I attended to my physical safety rather than enjoying the beauty of my surroundings.

               Then I heard the sound of pounding feet. I looked up to see a man and his dog trotting along a trail about five feet above me. I watched the man and his companion effortlessly glide across the mountainside trail. Although he probably never ever saw me, this man showed me a better path on which to walk so that I could more freely enjoy nature's beauty.

               I never realized that the higher path on the beach existed until I witnessed this man effortlessly jogging upon it. It didn't matter that he didn't see me, didn't talk to me, or didn't willfully intend to help me. The fact is, this man's example elevated me to a new level.

               I quickly found a way to climb up onto the higher trail. I didn't feel surefooted enough to trot down the trail as the more experienced man had. However, I did walk in gratitude for the peace that the trail afforded me. High above the slippery rocks, I could let go and enjoy the beautiful views, the smell of the sea air, and the warm breeze.

               As lightworkers, we constantly set similar examples that help others onto higher and more peaceful paths. We often don't realize what a huge impact our mere presence has upon the world. Yet, we can see the evidence. For example, many lightworkers report that when they walk into ordinary locations such as grocery stores, that other people stare at them, obviously attracted by the lightworkers' inner radiance. A lot of lightworkers say that other people frequently come to them for advice. Many lightworkers find that they can't go anywhere without constantly experiencing opportunities to do healing and service work.

               We, who work to maintain a consciousness of peace, are the example-setters to those who are struggling on other paths. They notice the harmony in our stride, the bliss upon our face, and the thoughtful gestures we extend to others. And this is the simple and extraordinarily ordinary way that we teach other people about higher and happier paths.

               Each weekend, at my workshops across the country, I talk to hundreds of lightworkers. Many lightworkers tell me that they feel anxious because they feel they aren't fulfilling their spiritual purpose. They ask me about how they can "get to work" and do the job that is part of their divine mission. Very often, I find that lightworkers feel stuck because they believe their purpose requires some elaborate condition that seems overwhelmingly complicated, time- consuming, or expensive. A lot of lightworkers think they need more education, money, or time before they can help others. Some lightworkers think they need to quit their current job, leave their marriage, or make major life changes, before they can fulfill their life's purpose.

               Yet, as the man on the beach trail showed, we don't need to completely change ourselves or our lives before we can help others. We don't necessarily need to have a formal teaching setting, advanced education, or a fully healed life to lend assistance to other people. We merely need to be centered and at peace, and these are God-given qualities that are eternally inherent within everyone. When other people notice our loving demeanors, it triggers deep memories and feelings within them. Even those who have never consciously thought about spirituality are affected when they see a lightworker's glow. This inner radiance is what attracts other people to stare, ask questions, and come to us as clients.

               So, before we go anywhere whether it's a store, post office, bank, post office, gas station, or work it's so important for us to center our thoughts upon love and light. We must remember to release our cares and stresses to Spirit, instead of carrying them on our own. When we cleanse our minds and hearts in this way, we naturally glow. And it's the glow that triggers the healing of everyone with whom we come into contact. The glow stems from our connection with the Love that is the all-that-all, and this Love is the substance of miracles.

               As it says in A Course in Miracles, "A miracle is never lost. It may touch many people you have not even met, and produce undreamed of changes in situations of which you are not even aware." I am certain that the man on the beach had no idea of the ripple effect his peaceful jog along the higher path had upon me, and upon others who read this article. Let's follow his example and show others how to elevate themselves above the slips and falls that are on the lower levels. Let's not worry wait a moment longer to be the teachers and role models that lightworkers were born to be. Let's glow, lightworkers!

© 1998