reflections for the winter solstice
We are entering the potent portal of the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year. It is a time to retreat, find moments of quiet reflection, and nourish our souls with rest. While it is the darkest night of the year, we are reminded that the lightest days are ahead.
For thousands of years, humans have practiced tuning into the rhythms and cycles of nature. In a world that seems increasingly busy and hectic, it is even more important to do so. Turning points such as the winter solstice are cues to pause, reflect, and contemplate what we’ve accomplished the past year, what we’ve outgrown, and what we want to manifest for the year ahead.
As I navigate the currents of the winter solstice, I'm reminded of the quiet magic found in the early hours of the morning. It's a time when the world is wrapped in a serene hush, reminiscent of the solstice's stillness. With three little boys, it is easy for me to get lost in the day, but being awake during these predawn moments is my cherished ritual when I feel intimately connected to myself.
It is a time to practice stillness, reminding me that sometimes my problems and challenges are best solved with space rather than striving. This one is particularly hard for me because I feel like I am always searching for all of the answers. I have to constantly remind myself that there is magic in uncertainty. Sometimes I may not have all of the answers, or sometimes the answers that I seek outside of me, are inside me all along.
The Winter Solstice is the time to recognize that we don’t need to do anything for the magic to unfold. We must simply trust in the deep wisdom within ourselves and the assurance that the Universe has a way of providing, even when we least expect it.
Slowing down during this time may feel counterintuitive given the last-minute holiday hustle and bustle. For women, especially, I know we are exhausted by the constant pressure we feel to do more, be more, and have more, to keep up with the fast pace of the world around us. We disregard our natural rhythms because it seems we have to just keep up. The Winter Solstice is a time to slow down rest and remember who we truly are. When we slow down, we are allowing ourselves to reacquaint ourselves with our natural rhythms. By honoring our need for rest and restoration, we replenish our inner reserves and prepare ourselves for the emergence of new growth.
“Thought will not work except in silence. If we want to think better, we need to seize these moments of quiet. If we want more revelations- more insights or breakthroughs or new, big ideas-we have to create more room for them. We have to step away from the comfort of noisy distractions and stimulations. We have to start listening.” -thomas carlyle
reflection questions
The winter solstice offers a beautiful opportunity to pause and reflect on the previous year. Below are some things to consider when reflecting on the last year.
Serendipities & Setbacks:
Reflect on the unexpected turns of the year, encompassing both delightful surprises and challenging occurrences. Recognize the wonderful and supportive happenings as well as the hardships faced. Embrace the ebb and flow of life's unpredictability, acknowledging the dual nature of surprises.
Triumphs & Transformations:
Celebrate your victories and successes, both tangible accomplishments and personal growth. Consider the areas where you have shown resilience, evolved into a stronger version of yourself, and met challenges with triumph. Focus on what went well and the ways you have become more fully expressed and conscious.
Lapses & Learnings:
Explore the aspects that fell short of expectations or desires during the year. Recognize disappointments, failures, and losses as moments of growth and empowerment. Label these as learning experiences that provide you with valuable insights and the opportunity to reclaim your power.
Insights & Illuminations:
Delve into the knowledge and wisdom gained over the past year. Reflect on the presence of new insights, perspectives, beliefs, and qualities that have enriched your understanding. Consider how these newfound understandings will continue to shape your life, offering a reservoir of wisdom for the journey ahead.
Connections & Community:
Reflect on the relationships that have played a significant role in your life during the past year. Consider how connections with friends, family, or your community have influenced your well-being and personal growth. Acknowledge moments of shared joy, support, and the importance of nurturing meaningful connections.
Self-Care & Well-Being:
Assess your self-care practices and overall well-being. Reflect on the habits and routines that contributed positively to your physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and mental health. Consider any adjustments or additions needed to enhance your self-care in the coming year, fostering a holistic sense of well-being.
Personal Values & Alignment:
Assess how your actions and decisions aligned with your personal values. Reflect on moments when you felt a sense of purpose and authenticity, as well as instances where you may have deviated from your values. Use these reflections to guide future choices that align more closely with your core principles.
Mindfulness & Presence:
Consider your level of mindfulness and presence throughout the year. Reflect on moments when you were fully engaged in the present, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and your experiences. Explore practices that enhance mindfulness and presence, promoting a more intentional and fulfilling way of living.
conclusion
May your journey through the winter solstice be a sacred dance, a dance of reflection, restoration, and renewal. With each step, may you find the grace to let go of what no longer serves you and the courage to embrace the potential that lies ahead.
As the solstice whispers its promise of brighter days, may you carry the warmth of hope and the wisdom gained from the past year into the dawn of the new one.
Click the link below if you are interested in working with me.
