Wishing You a Warm and Peaceful Winter Solstice

We are solar powered creatures. The further north we live, the less daylight we see at Winter Solstice and the lower the charge in our biological batteries.

The cold and dark take their toll at all levels. They dull our spirits, sap our energy, and make us susceptible to every nasty virus that comes along.

So what do we do? We deck the halls and party till we drop. We stress over what gifts to buy everyone and how to get it all done in time. We battle virus-laden crowds in soulless shopping malls.

And we wonder why we get sick.

This is a time for rest, contemplation, and meditation. A time to put another log on the fire or light some candles and watch the flames. A time to snuggle down with a hot drink and a stack of good books and inspiring movies.

Winter Solstice is a beginning and an ending. The old sun dies and a new one is born. It’s a time to release what no longer serves us and embrace what will.

Take a health and sanity break this Solstice and think of all the baggage, thoughts, and attitudes that are holding you back and write them on small slips of paper. Burn each one in a candle flame and let it go. Then bless a few hands full of salt, sprinkle them into a tub of hot water, climb in, and soak away any left overs.
Now make a list of all the good things that can happen as the next sun cycle unfolds.

After tomorrow, if everything proceeds according to precedent, the nights will grow shorter and the long, hot days of summer will return and recharge our batteries. But right now is the time to honor the treasures of darkness and peace.