The Coming Solstice

Hello friends,

The Solstice is on Wednesday, December 21st this year. The name “solstice” comes from Sol Sistere, or “sun stands still.” Whether it is winter or summer where you are, I hope you are taking some time to pause, reflect, and notice the shift of light to dark and dark to light.

The time of Yule lasts twelve days, from Solstice to the Gregorian New Year. For me, it is a time of reflection and preparation, especially now that I live further north.

Here in Portland, Oregon it is winter, with frost on plants and rooftops. When I stepped outside this morning to commune with the trees, my breath fogged the air. At this latitude, the pace of winter affects me more. I want to slow down, eat soup, read, and rest. The go-go-go of summer’s creativity where all I want to do is write, and research, and launch new things is gone. I’ve decided to embrace that, and have split my working and creative year into two phases: April through September will be times of long days and extra creativity, following the cycles of the nature in its fecundity. October through March? I’ll slow down. Take stock. Make plans. Study. Take care of all the small business things that don’t get done when I’m in the midst of my full creative burst.

What is your yearly cycle like? If it’s winter where you are, are you able to cancel plans with friends and family and cocoon a bit? If it’s summer, are you allowing yourself to flourish and create? (I have friends with reverse SAD, so this cycle is different for them. But we all have cycles, just like the plants, insects, and animals).

No matter where you are, and what you are doing right now, I wish you a blessed Solstice-tide and hope you allow yourself the time you need.

Reflection and renewal happen one moment and one breath at a time.

Breathe in now. Exhale. And if you have time, here’s a poem I wrote for the Solstice. It’s called Inside Us There Is Light. I hope you enjoy it.

best wishes - Thorn

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