Embracing the Winter Solstice: A meditation
Awakening to Solstice - and the Power Within
Winter Solstice: A Journey of Reflection, Renewal, and Transformation
As I look out the window at 4 PM this evening, it looks and feels like midnight. I take a deep breath and think to myself…
REALLY???? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?????!!!!!
Putting my frustration with Daylight (not) Savings Time and not being able to walk the dog after dinner aside, this really is a magical time of the year.
It’s a time to rest, reflect, release and renew. Right?
This unique juncture of the year, this astronomical event; the shortest day and longest night, has been a point of reflection and celebration throughout human history. For me, the Solstice is not just a day marked by the Earth's tilt and orbit; it's a moment of deep spiritual significance, a time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the renewal that lies ahead.
The Historical Significance of the Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, has been a pivotal time for various cultures throughout history. Ancient Druids celebrated it as 'Alban Arthan', a time when the battle between the Oak King (symbolizing light) and the Holly King (symbolizing darkness) was won by the Oak King, heralding the return of longer days.
The Romans observed 'Saturnalia', a festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, marked by feasting and merriment as they anticipated the coming spring.
In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated 'Yule', from which many modern Christmas traditions are derived, such as the Yule log.
These celebrations were not just about marking time; they were deeply rooted in the human need to find hope and meaning in the cycle of seasons.
The Symbolism of Darkness and Light
The Winter Solstice is rich in symbolism, primarily the interplay between darkness and light. The longest night signifies a period of introspection, of delving into the darkness within to find our inner light.
This theme resonates across various spiritual traditions, where darkness often precedes significant personal growth and enlightenment.
In my own life, I've found that the darkest periods were precursors to moments of profound clarity and transformation.
Letting Go and Welcoming the New
As the Solstice symbolizes the end of the increasing darkness, it also represents an ideal time for letting go. It's a time to shed old patterns, beliefs, and all that no longer serves our highest good. This process of release creates space for new intentions, dreams, and beginnings.
I often advise incorporating simple rituals like writing down what you wish to release and then safely burning the paper, symbolizing the transformation of energy from old to new.
In fact - keep reading. I have a short affirmation to share with you that you can do on your own, and a guided meditation you can download and access any time you want to release something. (NOT JUST DURING SOLSTICE!)
Rest, Reflection, and Rejuvenation
The stillness of the Solstice invites us to slow down, rest, and reflect. It's a period for contemplation, to look back at the year gone by, and to set intentions for the year ahead.
This pause is not just a luxury; it's essential for our well-being.
Embracing practices like meditation, gentle yoga, or simply spending quiet time in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating during this time.
Heart, Head and Hands Daily affirmation
In this meditation, we'll focus on the powerful act of release—letting go of what no longer serves our highest good. This process isn’t confined to the physical decluttering of our surroundings but extends much deeper, into the realms of our thoughts, emotions, and energy. It's about creating space for new beginnings and possibilities.
To guide us through this journey, we'll use a simple yet profound affirmation:
"I release what no longer serves me.
The universe guides my heart, head, and hands.
What doesn’t serve me holds me down and holds me back.
I let it go with Love and Gratitude.”
Affirmations like this are more than just words—they are tools for transformation. They help us reshape our thought patterns, infusing our minds with positive beliefs and aspirations. When we vocalize these intentions, we bring them into alignment with both our conscious and subconscious minds, fostering a deeper connection with our inner selves.
To amplify the power of this affirmation, I recommend incorporating specific movements that embody its essence:
Open Your Hands for Release: Extend your hands, palms up, as a physical representation of your readiness to release what no longer serves you.
Heart: Place your hands gently over your heart, acknowledging the wisdom of your emotions and intuition.
Head: Lightly touch your forehead, honoring the strength and influence of your thoughts and beliefs.
Hands: Extend your hands forward, palms up, in a gesture of openness and receptivity to new experiences and opportunities.
Letting Go: As you pronounce "I let it go," clench your hands into fists, then release them, symbolizing the release of both physical and emotional burdens.
Remember, the act of letting go is not just about shedding the old but also about making room for new experiences, insights, and joys.
Heart, Head and Hands Meditation
If you’d like to go a little deeper, I invite you to click here to access my guided meditation.
The meditation itself is about 15 minutes and is focused on helping you release any thoughts, false beliefs and mental contraints you have accumulated over the years. Whether they are your own thoughts, or someone else’s beliefs that you have internalized, these constructs take up space they don’t deserve.
Get rid of that shit!
This meditation will help you release and let go, making room for new and more powerful thoughts and beliefs that will help to empower you! (That meditation will come later!)
Let’s welcome in the Light and the New Year with minds clear of doubt, hearts open to love and hands ready to build and receive.
I encourage you to share your experiences with this meditation in the comments below, and feel free to share this practice with others who might benefit from it.
Together, let's step into this new chapter with intention and grace.
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