As we move toward the winter solstice, the natural cycle of the season and the diminished daylight is an invitation to turn inward toward rest, stillness and silence. 

The word “solstice” is Latin for the “sun stands still.” The winter solstice is an invitation to move into the spirit of stillness.

Paradoxically, in December our cultural institutions beckon us outward into the busiest time of the year, the “holiday season” with amped up shopping, socializing and celebrating. 

Being consciously aware of these two energies can help us remain in balance and experience greater wellbeing.

While you will most likely be making time to enjoy gathering with family and friends in a variety of social rituals, this is also an important time to prioritize rituals for turning inward and nourishing your natural rhythms and connecting to the spirit of the season.

In the midst of this month’s festivities and fun, may you also cultivate the quiet spaces to pause and go inward and deeply nourish your body and soul.

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The breath can be our teacher. The Earth's natural cycle can be viewed as a single breath.

‍“The Earth breathes but one breath each year: from Summer to Winter, a long exhalation, a letting go

At the Winter Solstice, a moment of stillness and emptiness between breaths; then the long inhalation back into the Summer fullness."

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‍The pause in the breath cycle serves as an invitation to drop into the silent, vast, infinite realm that is always there, lying just beneath the surface hubbub of our busy thinking, feeling mind-body.

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‍In any quiet moment when your are breathing,
The breath may flow out and pause of itself,
Or flow in and pause of itself.
Here experience opens into exquisite vastness
With no beginning and no end.
Embrace this infinity without reservation.
Dive into it, drink deeply and emerge renewed.

‍-Lorin Roche, The Radiance Sutras, Sutra 4

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Rituals for moving inward

What ritual do you need to pause and move inward to find quiet at this time?

Here are some ideas:

• Plan an afternoon or evening date with yourself
• Spend quiet time in nature
• Do a contemplative art or craft project
• Light a candle
• Meditate
• Do a mindful breathing practice
• Do a candle lit yoga practice
• Write in a journal
• Read poetry
• Build a fire