Winter Solstice
Stillness | Reflection | Wonder
Well, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve written anything here. I’ve been mourning the loss of my kitty more than I ever could have imagined. It’s been one of the hardest times of my life, but I’m finally feeling like myself again. Grief is no joke. I’ve never felt it this intensely as an adult before. So, thank you for your patience - I’m so happy to be connecting with you again.
It’s a cozy, rainy Sunday today in Victoria. The raindrops are hitting the window pane and the light breeze is forcing the trees to sway. It’s chilly outside. With a freshly brewed coffee by my side, and sitting warm and comfy on the couch, I’m ready to be present as I write this.
Yesterday was the first day of winter, - the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year, the longest night of the year, and a turning point in a natural cycle. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word solstitium meaning “sun stands still”. A time when the sun appears to be at a standstill for a few days until it is brought forth or “born again” around the 25th of December. Now, we begin our journey back to longer and lighter days.
The winter solstice marks a time of stillness and contemplation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is associated with yin and restorative energy, the kidneys and bladder, and the element of water.
If we think about these energies, we can see the symbolism everywhere within this season. Yin energy is cold, receptive, and passive. Water becomes still or frozen and reveals reflection. The trees become barren and store their energy for regeneration. The kidneys aren’t working as hard as we “hibernate” and rest, taking ourselves away from outside threats and into the comfort of home.
Winter is a time when we can slow down, go inward, and wonder. We can give ourselves time to reflect on the year that has passed and envision what we want to create in the year ahead. This allows us to do the shadow work that is necessary to rise again in the spring with more power and intention. Sleep becomes more important, and we feel the desire to go to bed earlier and wake up later - granting us the time to do dream work and heal on a subconscious level.
During this season, it is important to embrace restfulness so that we may nourish the mind, body, and soul. The mind can be nourished by practicing meditation or hypnosis and settling your thoughts. The body, especially the kidneys, can be nourished by slowing down and doing less strenuous activities. The soul can be nourished by tuning in to your inner wisdom and connecting with the insight of your Higher Self.
Learning to honour what you’re feeling and only say “yes” to the things that feel in alignment with what you want will help you reserve your energy. You might feel the need to seek time alone instead of attending holiday events with groups of people. Maybe you’re feeling inspired to connect with others and celebrate with loved ones. It’s a wonderful time to spend both in solidarity or to gather with friends and family.
“There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and sitting in front of the fire on winter evenings.”
Leo Sayer
Winter is a season of endings and rebirth. It’s a great time to create powerful transformations within yourself. Just as the trees have shed their leaves and appear lifeless for a while, mustering the energy to bloom again in spring, we can also embrace the stillness, and recharge our energy in silence, only to bloom with vigour and passion in the new year.
We have been taught that the new year is in the middle of winter (January 1st), which doesn’t make much sense to me, personally and energetically. Although I celebrate the new numerical year with friends and family on occasion, I’m more excited to celebrate the energetic new year at the spring equinox. Preferring to embrace the whole winter season as a time of introspection and inner work, I’ll continue to prepare myself for the season of beginnings and renewal in March.
Whatever you intend on doing this winter season, I hope you can spend it with loved ones (even if that’s just you or your pets) and enjoy the rest that you deserve in order to power you up in the new year. Wishing you a safe, comforting, and magical season full of wonder and warmth.
Namaste.
With Love, Light, and Gratitude,
Jessica Rose.