Welcome Winter Solstice

May you find peace in the promise of the Solstice night
That each day forward is blessed with more light
That the cycle of nature unbroken and true
Brings faith to your soul and well-being to you
Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence find rest
And may the days that follow be abundantly blessed

- author unknown

Winter Solstice is approaching on December 21, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. This is a time of transition. After a tumultuous year, this coming Solstice offers us an opportunity to rest, reflect and to deeply nurture ourselves.

In the past our ancestors would mark this time with ritual and celebration. As they were deeply attuned to the cycles of nature, they held feasts, gave gifts and lit fires to mark the return of the sun in the coming months.

In our current world, Solstice offers us a time to go more slowly, to find strength in the darkness and to find peace and stillness within. Perhaps take a break from the busy life around you.

We need balance, including time to rest and to contemplate the journey our life is taking. When we don’t take time to nurture ourselves this way, we end up feeling exhausted, burned out or that something is lacking. Indeed, something is missing when we don’t spend anytime at all reflecting on our life and tending to our spiritual and emotional needs.

So take some time to be quiet and still. Out of this stillness comes deeper awareness and the inner strength that fortifies you for the times ahead.

I take out my journal and do some writing. I light a candle and put on soft music. This is a good time to be reflective and to notice what is happening. In order to prepare ourselves for the coming year, we need to be deeply grounded and to find the time and space to be quiet.

This may be a time when you unplug from technology, from your usual patterns. Taking a little time out allows you to get a new perspective.

Some things you might want to do:

  • light candles

  • sit by a fireplace

  • cultivate moments of stillness and quiet

  • meditate or have a practice that enhances stillness and reflection

  • go for a walk to connect with nature


What do you notice when you take time for quiet with no distractions?

When you spend a little time with this question, you are fulfilling a need your soul has: to know how your journey is progressing and to bring things into balance.

May you allow the energy of Winter Solstice to fill your soul.

Let the light remind us that the sun will soon be returning.


Warmest wishes,

Brenda

Tyler Nouwens