"As I stand here on this celebration of Yule, the sacred wheel of the year has turned once again and it is now midwinter. As my forebears did, I do now, and so may my descendants do in time to come. It is the Solstice, the longest night and shortest day. Today I celebrate the return of the Sun. Since the summer, it has gradually become colder and darker, but from this time forwards, the days shall get longer and lighter and warmer again. The Solar year has run its course and completed its cycle and a new year begins, bringing light, life and hope to the earth.” ~ Natural Pantheist The Winter Solstice has come and gone. We have a ways to go through winter, but the light is returning upon us! Honestly? I find the winter holiday season quite schizophrenic! As though all the Gunas are all converging at once! Sattva, light energy, as we tune-in and celebrate the spiritual aspects of the season; the essence of which often gets lost in the other two… Ragasic, seems the most prevalent energy, as we run from one event to another, complete end-of-year projects, and perhaps dive into travel plans. And finally, my personal favorite, Tamasic energy, our tendency towards rest and rejuvenation! Truth told, given my druthers, I would mostly sleep, meditate, practice yoga, read, and maybe do a little writing this time of year. I enjoy the other energies, however, truly feel a strong internal pull to come to stillness and silence. To make my way through the season of dark and cold I plan regular moments of self-care. Going for walks outside; meditation, yoga, exercise, and breathing practices. Eating well and minimizing sweets. I try not to nap quite as often to increase experiences of sunlight, but I extend my night sleep to make up for it. Self-care is essential any time of year, but especially during the holidays and year-end transitions, as we extend ourselves more greatly. I wish you and your family a truly kind and fruitful of season. Take care of yourself and each other. May 2023 shine brightly upon us all. Love & Peace Always, Greg
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