“There is always light; we just don’t always see it”
Both literally and figuratively.
What do I mean by literally? Just step out into space beyond our atmosphere, and it is infinitely pitch-black.
But is that really the case?
After all, what if our eyes were Hubble telescopes?
Because of our limitations (or our limited senses), we mostly see darkness.
We miss the infinite field of light emanating from all those trillions of galaxies.
Invisible to “our” eyes.
However, if our eyes were as sensitive as Hubble telescopes—or even more powerful—space wouldn't look black; it would be filled with light! Space wouldn't be dark, but rather an infinite ocean of light.
You could view the stars we see with our own eyes as pinpricks concealing an infinite energy field of white light!
“Stars are like pinpricks concealing an infinite energy field of white light”
So, behind every darkness lies an infinite field of light.
And not just literally, but figuratively too—something you can tap into in your work and life to make them lighter and more beautiful.
But how?
In essence, there is always Light in our lives and work.
Working and living from a place of ‘spiritual light’ means, in concrete terms: working and living peacefully, kindly, compassionately, lovingly, tolerantly, curiously, and with a willingness to learn.
In my book “Spirited Personal Leadership”, I refer to this as working and living from ‘Spirit’—an infinite and all-encompassing consciousness. It offers concrete definitions, case studies, and exercises that you can apply immediately to your work and life.
But why is it, then, that we often fail to experience life or work as light or beautiful?
It has everything to do with the fact that—both individually and collectively—we remain stuck in our soul wounds and keep wearing our ‘ego-tinted glasses,’ thereby keeping ourselves in the darkness.
At most, we occasionally glimpse a point of light or a star in our work and life, but we fail to see the infinite field of light hidden behind those pinpricks of light.
So, how do you ensure your work and life become lighter and more beautiful?
1. PERMANENT SELF-REFLECTION
It begins by showing the courage to look—and look “only”—at yourself, constantly. Your consciousness expands the moment you can view yourself from a distance; when you become more aware of which of your own behaviors and choices lead (or have led) to specific consequences.
2. REFLECTING ON YOUR EGO AND SOUL
Your behavior is driven from within by factors such as your ego and your soul. Since an ego that is too small—but above all, one that is too large—leads to polarization, a lighter and more beautiful way of working and living remains out of reach. Furthermore, holding onto unresolved soul pain leads to choices and behaviors that do not make life lighter or more beautiful.
3. LEARNING TO MODERATE THE EGO
The ego can be a magnificent vehicle for giving tangible form to your healthy soul expression and spirit—especially in a world where the density of the ego is so high. Without an ego, you can easily become a victim here if you fail to develop a healthy one.
That is why it is so valuable to develop a balanced ego that comes to your aid.
4. HEALING SOUL PAIN AND GIVING YOUR SOUL SPACE
According to the renowned trauma expert Peter Levine, we all carry traumas—whether small or large—with us. There is nothing to be ashamed of here. However, if you allow that soul pain to persist and do not choose to heal, you continue to move through life as a wounded soul. The choices and behaviors stemming from this state can be extremely destructive—to yourself and others.
In doing so, you keep a beautiful, lighter life in the shadows.
Once you engage in the healthy processing of grief and trauma, you can leave that old, heavy emotional baggage behind. This releases an existential energy that allows your soul to feel freer and lighter. Your choices align much more closely with your true self, your desires, and your talents, making both work and life feel lighter and more beautiful.
5. CHOOSING, WORKING, AND LIVING FROM ‘SPIRIT’
When you act from a place of spirit in your career, your daily work interactions, and your life in general, your behavior changes. You begin to operate from a place of peace, kindness, compassion, love, tolerance, curiosity, and a genuine desire to become a better person yourself. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience—give it a try.
Do you want to make your work and life feel lighter?
Houdt dan niet je ego-bril op, maar verruim je bewustzijn. Kijk voorbij je ego- of oogkleppen en ga aan de slag met de vijf suggesties.
I predict that your work and life will become significantly more beautiful and lighter as a result.
Warm regards, Martin
© 2026: Martin Thoolen
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