“2020” has become a punchline.
What has been the lessons of the past year?
The Winter Solstice marks the nexus of the Earth's breath:
The meeting space between her exhalation and the birth of her inhalation.
Like each inhalation, it is a time of rebirth.
During my meditation on Solstice, I think about the darker things in my life that I wish to "dissolve" with the waning light and then, based on my contemplations, I dream about what I hope for in the coming New Year. This has been a challenging year and I find it difficult not to just wish for life to return to “normal”…. But, that would negate all of the positive shifts that have happened in the darkest of time. Even, thinking about hopes for coming New Year is sometimes difficult to imagine. It is important to create space for new seeds to sprout. So, this is the invitation for space.
One of the sweet traditions of the winter solstice, (going along with the idea of dissolving), is to “let go” of any resentments. Everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, and compassion everywhere. This festival brings about unity. This year, this part of the tradition seems particularly potent.
As the light of the sun continues to fade a little more each day towards it
nadir on the Winter Solstice, the body and mind on a deep level wants to
become quieter. Nature is whispering to us to rest, and with all of the holiday hype it has been a difficult, but this year seems like a quieter time. As we have smaller or virtual gatherings, we can imagine future holidays with friends and family even more precious because we no longer take it for granite.
This year has asked so much of us in so many ways. Sadly, we have lost friends in our community and many have lost loved family members. It is heartbreaking. It has asked us to see our lives with a new light.
So, for 2021 my hopes are simple.
May I have clarity to know how can I make this life more meaningful and how can I share my gifts?
I want to add my light to the light of other’s.
I would love to hear or read your thoughts. Please take this as an opportunity to reconnect.
All the very best wishes for a thoughtful holiday.
Susan