“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson
This quote which is often attributed to Nelson Mandela was written by Marianne Williamson. Mandela read this quote in 1994 during his inaugural address. I came across it around the same time, taped to the kitchen wall of the kripalu yoga ashram. These words have served as a guide over the past 20 years and are a fitting tribute to a man who lived them every day of his life. May we all be inspired by these words and the actions of a courageous and inspiring human being.