Today is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and it signals the beginning of the season of winter. This special day has less light than any other 24-hour period in the year. In this hemisphere, it’s the time when the sun is at the southernmost point of its yearly motion in the sky. It’s a dark and cold time in nature’s cycle of the year where rest often occurs.
Many cultures have traditions of honoring this time with joyous celebration in community, the sharing of stories where the light overcomes darkness and inner reflection. At this special time of winter solstice, take advantage of the energy that emerges throughout the month and fully immerse yourself in it with outer observation and inner reflection.
Here are 4 ways you can more deeply connect to the time of the winter solstice.
- Observe the Sky– Go outside and observe the rising of the sun in the morning and the setting of the sun in the evening. Soak in the warmth and light of the golden rays. After the sun sets, observe the stars begin to sparkle in the darkness and the glow of the moon. Become aware of the light that shines in the darkest time of year.
- Turn Inward – Light a candle one evening and reflect upon the past year. What brought you joy in the last year? Where did you encounter challenges? What did you learn from them? Sit in contemplation with these questions or write down your thoughts in a journal. Engage your creative side and draw, paint or sing your thoughts if you’d like!
- Add More Light – With the increased hours of darkness, use this as an opportunity to add more light and joy inside your house. Light candles in the evening or start a fire in the fireplace. Tell or listen to stories. Diffuse essential oils of citrus or pine. Decorate with evergreen boughs and white lights. Just remember to be careful with the light of screens in the darkness, so that you can sleep peacefully through the night. In fact, more sleep is often needed during this dark time of year.
- Feel Gratitude – Let your heart fill with the warmth of gratitude for the past year. Write or think about 3 in each of these areas:
- Moments you most enjoyed
- People in your life
- Lessons learned
- When you shared your gifts with others
- New experiences or opportunities
Express your gratefulness in a poem, prayer, song or artistic creation.
This year, experience the winter solstice by turning outward with quiet observation and inward with inner reflection. You’ll be inviting in the light to shine brightly through the darkness of winter.
Interested in connecting to the time of the winter solstice with a community of kindred spirits? Join us for “Bring Spirit To The Holidays”. Find out more here.
