“The darkest days bring us to our brightest moments.”
Happy Solstice and Happy Holidays!
December 21, 2023 marks the day of Winter Solstice. We know this as the darkest day of the year, the day we spiral into the cycle that reminds us that winter is here and the return of light is near. We build fires, light candles, and put on festive lights, reminding us to be grateful for all of life and our connection to one another. We give thanks to this moment of darkness. Without dark, there would be no light. Without summer, no winter. Without pain, what would we know about pleasure?
Solstice positions us at a crosspoint. We can view this as a moment in time where we are between the dark and light. The rhythms of the Earth guide and direct us so naturally and beautifully, it’s so perfect, so obvious and yet, the hustle and bustle of the pressures hide the sweet glow of her mysteries. Take a moment to trust in the flow of her wisdom. You may find that the answers to your questions and to your wishes, hopes, and dreams are right before you.
Practices for Solstice and the New Year:
Ritual: create a space in your life DAILY for ritual. Consider crafting a physical space reminding you to be devoted to your heart and soul work whether that be an altar, a meditation pillow, or just a moment where you cuddle up in bed with your tea and give yourself a moment of reflection time.
It’s all about YOU: now is the time to go inward and take deep care of yourself. Are you on your own team? Are you rooting for yourself? It’s time to set intentions and work the work you have been doing for the last few years. Put it into practice and get clear and focused on who, what, and why you are calling it all in!
Meditate on:
- Your integrity
- Healing without compromising your needs for others
- Mental and emotional health
- Strategic planning and follow through
Choice: remember you are responsible for your actions and for your choices. At any crosspoint or crossroad you have a choice to go in either direction. Where do you wish to be at the next crossroad point? One year from now? At the next Solstice juncture? Remember there is no right or wrong choice, but there is conscious and unconscious choice. Be conscious and strategic about which path you choose!
Connection as a study:
- What is connection to you?
- How do you feel most connected? (through touch, conversation, movement, silence..)
- Who do you want to connect to?
- What do you want to connect to?
Pick the people you wish for a deeper connection in your life and cultivate that. Make your circle small, deep, and mighty. Even more importantly, it connects to the Earth and its Elements. Touch the dirt, smell the air, feel the sun, gaze at the moon. This is vital oxygen for your existence.
On Thursday, December 21st:
Take time, even for a moment, to bring some fire into your presence if you’re lucky and can access a fireplace, or better yet make a bonfire, if not a candle will do 🙂
Focus on your intentions and allow the light of the fire to ignite your inner flame, inviting your inner light to shine through you and into the world as a manifestation of peace, joy, and hope.
I wish you a warm and light-filled holiday season. May you reap the benefits of all the seeds you have sown in 2024!
