Merry Solstice! This is by far my favorite holiday. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, today marks the longest night-shortest day in our annual cycle around the sun. It also officially marks the first day of Winter. Naturally, I would think myself to lovingly gravitate towards the Summer Solstice, with it's bright long shining sun filled day; but somehow it feels less dynamic, too carefree. Whereas in the winter, so much physical darkness abounds that we are forced to seek our own inner light. This is our soul's work. Deep soul work.

This is the time to go within. To be introspective and contemplative. To quiet down and sleep longer. To find real rest, for both the mind and the body. To heal and restore. This work is intended to prepare us for our rebirth in the Spring, when life will become anew.

Unfortunately, at least from what I see in my own community, we are doing the exact opposite of this. Instead, we are racing around, frantically buying gifts and dashing off to the next holiday party. Consuming, lots of consuming.  Emptying our bank accounts and fraying our nerves. This is not healing. This is not restorative. I don't have the answer on how to move away from the consumerism, besides just to stop buying all together, but I do know that there is a way to find more balance.

-When you are home in the evening, build a fire.  If you don't have a fireplace, light some candles. The element of fire is warm and soothing and an unconscious reminder of our own inner light. -Quiet not just your mind, but your voice as well.  Start listening to the silence behind it all. It really is quite profound. -Share food and drink with family and friends. Cook together with the intention of putting love into your food. This can be overwhelmingly restorative to our bodies. -Go outside. Bundle up and take a walk. Breath in the crisp air. Observe what you see around you; how nature is presently so still, a great model for us to follow. -Love yourself. Take the time to asses what you and your body need. Then provide for yourself like you would an infant.

Go into the darkness, find that light which you alone carry. Feel it fill your being. It is all you ever were and all you ever will be. Light. And Love.

Blessed Be...