We begin in darkness – a particular kind of discomfort or uncertainty that has the potential to nurture growth toward the light. The darkness that Charleston names is a crisis of confidence in institutions and systems that have always sustained us, but it strikes me that darkness comes in many forms, and that the darkness, the response it motivates, and the light it eventually brings can be individual or collective. A collective darkness of the sort that Charleston identifies can motivate a collective response and bring a collective light. Maybe an individual darkness can motivate an individual response, and maybe that individual response can bring light to multiple people.
I’m reminded of the darkness that I experienced as a student. I was such an anxious kid that I didn’t perform well academically, and I clearly remember feeling less intelligent and competent than the other students. It was a miserable and formative time, but I’m glad I experienced it because I think it makes me a better teacher than I would have been otherwise. I understand that people can’t think well when they feel bad, and this understanding helps me to be at least somewhat attuned to the affective dimension of the classroom. Having groped my way through that particular kind of darkness, I enjoy trying to bring that particular kind of light.
I would love to know what darkness you’ve confronted or what light you’ve learned to bring.
This connects me to pg. 12 where he states we are "stronger than darkness". I had a past relationship that took a huge emotional toll, particularly on my self-esteem. It took me many years to pull myself out of that darkness and believe in myself again. This did not happen insolation. It took a community of friends, family, and quality therapist. In the book, Steven says that darkness is banished by a single lit candle. You can use that light to spread to others. Each little spark we share impacts those around us. The most profound quote I took from the introduction was "Your life matters. What you have started will carry on. You are a source of light."