By Chris McLaren, Hive Facilitator and member of our Wisdom Circle
Photo taken by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
This year the winter solstice falls on 12/21/21 precisely at 10:59 am. This event marks the beginning of winter, and the shortest day and longest night of the year.
These seasonal changes- from more to less daylight, from warmer to cooler temperatures- have been used for millennia to mark the passage of time. It is important to celebrate these natural events, these markers-of-time more than ever. I find myself thinking in terms of pre and post COVID/lockdown while trying to recall life events. It is the very large “stick in the mud” marking a common event all of us experienced.
What if we were to choose a different stick in the mud?
What if we wanted to align a bit more with the natural rhythms of the Earth?
As winter approaches here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth around us is getting ready to rest. You’ve noticed this: The trees have let their leaves fall away, and some plants allowed their stalks and leaves to dry out and wither whilst preserving their essence deep in their roots. Sadly, some died. It’s all part of the natural cycle. Perhaps we can use these natural changes to prompt us in our self-care.
Perhaps, like the Earth, we can make time to rest.
As the days shorten, allow yourself to slow down. Do less, be more. Be in stillness, in contemplation, in your breath, in the moment! Drop your worries and troubles like falling leaves. Allow your awareness to rest in your heart, your direct connection to Unconditional Love. Isn’t that what we seek, unconditional love? It is and always has been inside you, right now!
When we feel deeply loved, our perspective changes. When we deeply love ourselves, the world changes. This kind of love cannot be contained. It is highly contagious and easily transmitted. As many songs have stated, “Love is all you need!” It is the peace beyond all understanding. Sadly, it seems in our non-stop society we need some cues to remind us to cultivate this love.
Why not allow the seasons to be these cues: winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and fall equinox? What would happen if you created your own ritual four times a year as a way to remember to love yourself a little more? I believe you would see some big changes in your world!
In my opinion, one of the easiest ways to start loving yourself more is to put yourself in an environment conducive to this type of self-love. A sound bath is one of those environments! I’m hosting a crystal singing bowl sound bath at the Hive on Monday the 20th (the night before the solstice) from 7-8:15 pm. The crystal bowls produce soft, flowing resonate tones that facilitate a state of deep relaxation and healing. This is an in-person event with limited space- click here to learn more and register. I hope to see you there!