As we head into this time of year, (in the Northern hemisphere), we are approaching the winter solstice, aka the hibernal solstice, on December 21st. Traditionally tied with darkness, as it is the longest night of the year, this year it is particularly dark with the new moon on the 23rd.

Did we just say… hibernal solstice? Yes, and it is just like it sounds, akin to the word hibernate. This should give us a clue as to what we might need this time of year. Time to draw inward, slow down and feed our body and soul with some rest and peace. This may be the exact opposite of your normal holiday routine and even seem impossible, but it might be worth a try.

While resting and peace are what the dark calls for, the solstice also marks the start of days getting longer again. Time to let go of dwelling on what you didn’t get done or get accomplished and celebrate the light returning.

It is easy to see why festivals and celebrations this time of year have historically been full of light in all forms. From the early days of fire to the current tiny and powerful LED lights that are everywhere.

Since the days are short and the nourishment we get from sunlight isn’t possible right now, we can get our nourishment from spending time with the people we love and participating in the holiday festivities that provide light this time of year.

This Week's Practice

Drop It

This time of year is chocked full of holiday traditions, habits and obligations that can often go against the natural pace of this time of year which calls for looking inward, slowing down and nesting, for lack of a better word.

We challenge you to intentionally drop ONE thing off your full holiday plate this year, an obligation, a tradition, something that no longer feeds you. Then replace that time with a slower pace, downtime or dare we suggest… a nap!

Bonus

Holiday Traditions

As you know, we are always out to learn more! Read what we discovered and wrote about the different traditions celebrated by people around the world.

Learn and Enjoy!