Chapter 56
The Light Behind That Guides Others
Now we had left the angel, who had turn’d To the sixth circle our ascending step, One gash from off my forehead raz’d: while they, Whose wishes tend to justice, shouted forth: “Blessed!” and ended with, “I thirst:” and I, More nimble than along the other straits, So journey’d, that, without the sense of toil, I follow’d upward the swift-footed shades; When Virgil thus began: “Let its pure flame From virtue flow, and love can never fail To warm another’s bosom’ so the light Shine manifestly forth. Hence from that hour, When ’mongst us in the purlieus of the deep,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Light-Bearer Network
Draw a simple map with yourself in the centre. On one side, list people who've guided you toward places they couldn't reach themselves. On the other side, list people you're currently guiding toward goals you haven't achieved. For each person, write one specific piece of wisdom or guidance that was exchanged.
Consider:
- •Consider both obvious mentors and unexpected guides - sometimes the person working two jobs teaches more about resilience than the successful executive
- •Notice how your own struggles and limitations might actually make you a better guide for others facing similar challenges
- •Think about whether you're properly documenting and sharing your hard-won lessons, even if you haven't 'arrived' yet
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you realised you were carrying light for someone else, even though you felt lost in your own darkness. How did recognising this pattern change how you saw your role in their life?
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