As we move just past the darkest day of the year, Veronica uses a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke to discuss a productive way of turning our inner darkness into a place of strength. She suggests that in order to fully integrate and become whole, it is necessary to face the things that scare us. We can take steps to reframe the frightening into invitations to act bravely and with love.

This quote also highlights the responsiveness of the obstacles we face, challenging us not to respond with fear even if that’s a natural impulse. If love is the essence of who we are, Veronica says, then digging deep to find courage to face fears is also uplifting the essence of what connects us all.