Winter Solstice : Be the gift of LIGHT!
an inspirational practice & guided imagery meditation
In the Northern Hemisphere, at the winter solstice, the sun is directly overhead on Winter Solstice, seemingly standing still with the fewest hours of sunlight. This is a powerful time to pause and reflect, bringing ourselves into alignment with our greatest intentions.
Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night this year falls on Wednesday, December 21st at 2:48 Colorado time. The actual solstice is an astronomical event in a moment’s flash as the sun reaches the lowest point in the sky and after a pivotal pause begins to tilt toward the sun. What does that mean for us? Our super short days begin to grow lighter and brighter as they lengthen in time.
The “Longest Night” are ancient celebrations of the returning sun, observed in many cultures around the globe. Our holiday traditions have been adapted from these roots in which they released the dark and embraced the light. Gather your family and friends to welcome in the returning light:
- Speak appreciation for all that is good in your life
- Show kindness and compassion to everyone, including yourself
- Release any regret from this past year
- So, you may move forward with a sense of faith for what lies ahead
This is a receptive time to contemplate on the shadows seen in the flicker of a candle, the illumination of the morning sun, or the reflection of the rising moon. It is also a season to reflect on our own shadows … and to pull forward the wisdom and insight symbolizing the returning “light” found in our own “darkness.”
- Winter is a season for going inward
- for stillness, reflection, recovery, and healing
- for preparation and contemplation about what will be planted in the spring
Do a meditation in the morning before sunrise or in the darkness of the evening:
- Notice what you see or feel in the physical darkness
- Contemplate your own dark places
- and those of the world right now
- Be present with the shadows. Doing so quells our fears and builds resilience
In the resting of the cold, quiet winter, we embrace the hope of spring. Being conscious with this practice helps us to face times of challenge, knowing we can encounter a shift into better times right around the corner. Just like the seasons, our phases ebb and flow with a natural rhythm drawn from all of life.
Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter.
Who would think those branches would turn green again and blossom,
but we hope it, we know it -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Plan a traditional winter solstice feast with squash soup, crusty bread, and a pecan pie! Or share hot mugs of spiced cider or hot chocolate with marshmallows on top. Ask those in your circle of family of friends to share how they like to rest, go within, or recharge.
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home. -Edith Sitwell, poet
This holiday season can be oh, so hectic. Remember to draw in essential self-care (this isn’t the time to skip it with a zest for “getting it all done!”) Create meaningful traditions as you gather loved ones close and cozy in . . .. Winter is the perfect time for savoring those sweet moments at home.
*Enjoy this contemplative meditation as our Solstice gift to you. Please note: there is a half-minute centering pause of silence at the beginning of this video
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Donna DeNomme is a conscious energy teacher, shamanic healer, and ceremonial facilitator. As a Master Success Coach, Donna has assisted clients since 1987 and was voted Colorado’s “Spiritual Health Guru” by the prestigious 5280 magazine for her innovative healing and self-realization practices.
Her award-winning, internationally published books, Turtle Wisdom (book, playbook, and cards), Ophelia’s Oracle, 8 Keys to Wholeness, and As You Feel, So You Heal: A Write of Passage are consistent best-sellers at our stores.
Donna offers psychic readings and empowerment sessions through For Heaven’s Sake at our Applewood location on Sundays and psychic fair Saturdays.