Winter Solstice brings the earliest sunset and shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, thus the longest night. It is a sacred notation for me each year on December 21st.
I succumb to the darkness by creating a sacred space to honor the cycle of harvest completing while opening to the dormant, still hibernating space. Sitting in darkness surrounded by candles, only candlelight. Shimmering, flickering, bobbing gentle lights. Focusing on one flame and seeing the combined light reminds me of ‘the birth of the sun’ promise.
The inner sensation of a quiet flow of energy allows me to honor the ending cycle of this year, 2023. The depth of my pondering leads me to noticing the beauties that I’ve experienced, day by day, throughout the span of something we call time even though it is more like a flowing current of movement than a ‘thing’.
It feels like going into a deep cave that is womblike. Both open and full. I sit and allow all the sensations to occur freely. The gratitude expands as I ponder. I begin to imagine what I want more of for the coming cycle. Acceptance. Tolerance. Intuitive knowing. Peace and calm. Willingness to stand up for my core values. Willingness to stand with others for their sovereign rights. Pathways for continuing service.
Sending open-hearted love, joy and laughter to each of you.
Beautiful writing!