I would like to talk about the magic of the Winter Solstice which will happen at exactly 4:48pm on December 21. On the day of the winter solstice, we are tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, which means that the Sun’s path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be. But though it is the shortest day of the year, the good news is from here on we will start to add a few minutes of sunlight to our day.
The solstice has been celebrated since ancient times by cultures around our planet. From the Roman feast of Saturnalia to the pre-Christian festival of Norse jól or Juul observed in Scandinavia, there are many ways our ancestors honored the first day of winter. Experts think that Stonehenge in England was built to celebrate and keep track of the solstice.
Some people can’t wait for the cooler weather, snow, skiing and ice skating, curling up by a fire, and the holiday spirit. There is a peaceful, solemnity and reverent feeling when you walk through the woods after a snowfall. Winter can be an inspiration for you and a time for reflection and meditation. I know I get my best ideas during winter and spring time is usually when I publish or set those ideas into motion.
It’s not easy to find time to be still and quiet but here’s a start:
- Think about your intention. Start with thinking about one thing you would like to accomplish or be better at.
- State your intention. Say it out loud.
- Write down your intention. Make sure you form a complete sentence such as “I want to….”. Don’t worry about the how.
- Meditate on your intention. Inhale as you state “I want to…”; exhale as you state your intention. Start with about 5 times, then sit quietly for a few minutes. Check out some of the short meditations on this channel to help with your breathing or to get you in the right headspace.
After your meditation, go about your daily business. You will find when you least expect it, your answer will come to you. That’s because when you send an intention out into the universe, the universe will answer you. Maybe not in the way you expected, but it will. Be open to what the universe provides for you. And if it is something not to your liking, reflect on that as well. Is the universe trying to teach you a life lesson?
Start your journey on the winter solstice and see where it takes you. I’ll check back with you in about 3 months.