I Might Be An Iguana
Good Morning DearHearts,
Winter is here. South Florida has not escaped the cold temperatures this year. We are experiencing some of the coldest temperatures in a decade for this tropical paradise. However, as with so many things cold weather is relative to the area. The deep cold in Florida could be shorts and tank top weather in other parts of the country.
One thing that is unique to south Florida winter when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees is the effect on invasive species of lizards that now call this area home. Iguanas have invaded this area over the past many years. They are not part of our native wildlife but just as people have migrated to this state, so have these prehistoric looking amphibians.
Iguanas live a very happy life in this tropical paradise, the warm and humid weather is to their liking. They also enjoy eating every plant in the garden much to the chagrin of the gardeners. About the only thing the reptiles do not like are the infrequent cold spells during an occasional winter. They are cold blooded creatures so when the temperature drops significantly they become comatose. Suddenly the weather report includes both wind chill and iguanas falling from trees.
I do not fall from treetops in the cold weather, but I do feel lethargic in less than 40 degree weather.
Winter is a contemplative season. It offers less sunlight and a natural desire to go within. Without a significant amount of outside light the tendency is to find the light within, perhaps by a fireplace or illuminated room. Of course there is another light source that is not dependent on a season or outside condition.
We all carry the Light with us wherever we go and even if we stay in one place. Truthfully to find Light we only have to connect with the ever present radiance that can never be extinguished. We hold the Light.
It’s as natural for us to bask in the Light as it is for the iguana to sit in the sun. We require light in order to feel balanced. In northern countries where there is a dearth of natural winter light it must be replicated in order to keep the population sane. Darkness and cold are associated with depression and lack. Light represents more than daytime, it is a promise of improvement and the continuation of creation.
We cannot actually stop creation on any level. We create constantly because we are alive and creation is how we experience aliveness. Life is neither stagnant nor idle. To be alive is to be in a constant state of creation and growth. Each breath is accompanied by the action of inhaling and exhaling. We are not comatose like the iguanas. We are vibrant beings with the need to extend our own radiance.
When I am having difficulty locating the glow of God’s Light it’s only because for the moment I have allowed something else to step in front of it. This intruding thought has momentarily garnered my attention and distracted me from reality. I have entered one of those dark spots that have yet to be eradicated from my mind. The darkness brings a chill to my being and lethargy falls upon me just as the iguana falls from its’ perch.
For a time I may stay in the darkness of my winter mind but because the natural tendency of all living things is to seek for the light I will not remain in the coldness. Here’s another one of those “relative” ideas. How long do I stay? I might avoid the light for a day, week or even longer but ultimately the Light will re-enter my thoughts and I will remember I am not meant to dwell in darkness.
“The Great Light always surrounds you and shines out of you.”[1]
Fortunately, the sun is shining again and both the iguanas and I are thawing out.
I want to share with everyone a new adventure that began a few weeks ago. I am part of a podcast called “ I Am Practically Spiritual”. I am doing this with a good friend, Carlos Felipe, also a Course student/teacher.
The podcast is a weekly review of the Workbook Lessons and of looking at how they can be practically used in the world. It is currently available on Spotify ™ or Apple™ podcast channels.
Hope you give a listen.
Love & Light,
Janet Weissman
©2026 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Text Chap. 11 III4:7
goodmorningdearhearts 