I was the first to stand.
It wasn’t brave. It wasn’t planned. It just happened.
It was my niece’s wedding, and the cue for the bride’s entrance came—soft, melodic, unmistakable. I rose from my chair, expecting the rest of the guests to follow. But no one did.
Suddenly, I felt awkward. Exposed. I sat back down, cheeks hot, heart pounding. She walked down the aisle without the honour of her guests rising to greet her.
It was just a moment. But it stayed with me.
Later, I realised: the music wasn’t wrong. I wasn’t wrong. What was missing was the courage to be the first.
I thought about all the times I hadn’t spoken up. When I’d dimmed my light to match someone else’s shadow. When I’d waited for permission to be myself.
And then, a second thought came: the Earth never waits for permission to be majestic. Trees grow skyward whether we admire them or not. Rivers run their course, unapologetically.
Gaia doesn’t ask, “Is this okay?” She just is.
That night, I made a vow. Next time I feel the cue—spiritual or literal—I will rise. Whether or not others do. Whether or not they understand.
Because sometimes, being the first to stand isn’t about weddings or rituals. It’s about reclaiming your alignment with something deeper—your truth, your inner compass, your Earth-rooted soul.
And who knows?
Maybe next time… when I stand, others will follow.
audio version:
Service Reflection
Key Theme: Trust Your Inner Light and Honour the Earth That Holds You
This service beautifully weaves together two powerful spiritual teachings:
- Be a Light Unto Yourself – Trust your intuition. Don’t wait for others to lead or validate you. Your inner wisdom, your soul’s voice, is your most authentic guide. Even if you stand alone, stand true.
- Honour Gaia – Recognise the Earth not as a passive backdrop to your life, but as a living, breathing being—your mother, teacher, and partner in existence. Respect and love her as you do yourself.
Together, these teachings offer a call to:
Stand strong in your truth, live in harmony with the Earth, and be the light that shines even when others remain seated.
