Writing is one tool that encourages me to describe and recognize where I am on my spiritual journey.
I’ve been circling the word “essence” around in my head for a while now. It’s summer in Virginia. The joyful and effervescent lightning bugs have appeared. These enchanting, nostalgic creatures remind us of when we truly believed anything was possible. They remind me that every person (and creature) has a unique inner light that shines in this world.
Fun fact…lightning bugs use unique patterns and a series of flashes to communicate and attract mates. 2400 species exist throughout the world!
Essence is not a substance, an ingredient, or an element like air, wind, water, or fire. We create and sell products that help us embody it. On Amazon alone, there are 30,000 results for the search words “essence + books” and 20,000 “essence + make-up”. Hundreds of songs and podcasts on Spotify pop up when searching for the word essence. Historical, philosophical, and theological circles have tried to define and explain essence (“ousia,” the ancient Greek word for true being) for centuries.
We attempt to describe, capture, or possess something’s essence, but ultimately, it is fleeting, momentary, and mystical. Earthly essence might be something we taste, see, or touch. Imagine summer sorbet, the fragrance of flowers, the warmth of a freshly laundered towel, and shooting fireworks amid the darkness.
The heart and core of essence is the magic that awakens our senses, and it is essential to our being. Essence is that moment when we experience something beyond our physical body and mind, and feel linked to something greater than ourselves.
Our true essence is the soul of who we are — the calm, worry-free people we are born to be. Your true essence emerges when you’re with people who encourage you to shine your light. Your true essence emerges when you embrace your unique talents and gifts. Your true essence emerges when you offer this crazy, broken world empathy and compassion.
Your essence is like the firefly, twinkling and illuminating its way through the darkness. Our essence can’t be bottled and saved in a mason jar; that would only dim or deny ourselves and others our spiritual gifts.
Your essence can light up the world. Your essence is made of pure, unconditional love — love that is meant to be shared.
Love is the essence and purpose of our lives. That love can be contagious laughter, a heartfelt hug, a kind, warm smile, the sparkle in someone’s eye… What comes to mind for you?
JJH
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he loves him. By his love he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more, he sees that which is potential in him, which is not yet actualized but yet ought to be actualized. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true.” — Viktor E. Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning)