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Friday of this week marks the longest day of the year, winter solstice. I have always been drawn to this day. A day of darkness. A day of reflection. It is also a day of hope. It is the longest day of the year, which means, it will only get lighter after this day. Things will only get more bright and more illuminated.
But this week we are hunkering down, many of us begin and end our days in the dark. As you know, I am a huge believer in rituals and the winter solstice provides a great time to create new or engage in old rituals. This Friday I encourage you to take some time to pause, to reflect on your life. Take some time to gather in those whom you love and whom love you and celebrate the darkness. Share a meal, light a fire, and engage in soulful quiet conversation. Share your fears, your dreams your 'wish list' and feel the love, and hope of the season.
From the dark comes the light. Embrace it. Because, it is in our darkest times that we gain the wisdom, empathy, strength and conviction for the brighter times. Wishing you and yours a peaceful solstice.
"So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!"
-Susan Cooper, The Shortest Day
