Darkness Quote by Carolyn McVickar Edwards
““In that distant beginning season, Sun Man's warm magic flowed over all the land. Whenever he raised his arms, it was day. whenever he lowered them, it was night. The Bee People and the Elephant People and the Tic People loved the rhythm of Sun Man's light. Their faces crinkled with pleasure in his heat. But inside the dreamtime, Sun Man grew old. His back grew stiff and his knee joints ached. He rose later and later each morning. He napped soon after breakfast and went to bed in the afternoon. "What's going on here?" complained Grandfather Mantis. "I'm not getting heat anymore." Grandfather Mantis sent the Bird People to find out. The Bird People returned, rumpled and solemn. Darkness was everywhere, even though it was supposed to be daytime. "Sun Man is getting old," they explained. "This shining all the time is getting too much for him." "Well, I'm old," snapped Grandfather Mantis. "Doesn't stop me." His wife raised her eyebrows but said nothing.””
About This Quote
Source My: The Dreamtime Tale, Indigenous Australian oral tradition, collected by Carolyn McVickar Edwards, 2020
Sun Man’s aging reflects the natural cycle of power and responsibility, reminding us that even sources of light need rest.
In simple terms: Even powerful beings need rest.
Key Takeaway
Respect limits and allow renewal.
Themes
cycle
responsibility
rest
Mood
reflective
mythic
Type
inspirational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- leadership
- energy management
- environmental stewardship
Key Concepts
mythology
balance of energy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when you need rest?
- What responsibilities require periodic renewal?
A Different Perspective
Assuming constant energy can lead to burnout.
