Solstice, Christmas, Darkness and Light

I'm sure you can remember this time of year as being a special one from childhood. For me it meant time off from school and getting the chance to play outside on the ranch. It also meant the family would be together more. At the time, I was definitely conscious of the importance of relations though it seems as time begins to pass we often lose sight of those positive and even helpful emotions in exchange for emotions being raised from stress of productivity, self worth, status and accomplishment.

As we approach the final days of the year, I challenge you to challenge yourself and your own conscious thought. The solstice is nearing and bringing with it the shortest day of the year. Traditionally and culturally this may well be the very beginnings of Christmas and where we can begin to realign our thinking to a more helpful status of being.

Wikipedia states the following: "The winter solstice may have been immensely important because communities were not assured to live through the winter, and had to be prepared during the previous nine months. Starvation was common in winter between January to April, also known as the famine months. In temperate climates, the midwinter festival was the last feast celebration, before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was nearly the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time."

Looking at the realities of the above statement we can begin to see how far we've strayed from the meaning and the essence of this very important season. Winter is often accompanied by harsh weather which means if one is to survive the famine months, rationing and careful planning are in order. It seems off the mark to be using up reserves on anything but the essentials as we often do on this holiday. The symbol of light was meant to welcome the sun to awaken from it's winter slumber and provide much needed light and warmth for the coming planting season. I have to remember this as I see houses adorned with strings of light possibly draining energy resources. Try lighting candles as your way to welcome in the light. For those of you with the ability to burn fallen timber as a large bon fire, do so with the sentiment that you are holding vigil for the return of the sun. Within this process remember to thank the present darkness. It is in darkness that we find rest, revitalization and time for thought and reflection. Placing or harvesting evergreens inside or outside the home was a conscious act that symbolized the continuity of life and the wheel of the year. It seems as if the trade off for this holiday harvesting could be holiday rejuvenation and the planting of seeds in the literal and unconscious sense.

I guess what I'm suggesting is that we become more conscious of why we are here and what may be the most meaningful ways to spend our time and efforts. This consciousness may give us the opportunity to find some sanctuary in the mind and the room to express the essence of our being. This may in turn begin the path of the circular continuity of the Self which I believe to be the beginnings of health and wellness.

I grant you that this may be a deeper path requiring a conscious effort that many have not experienced and yet the limitations and walls subsequently removed can reveal limitless space to realize our own options. Turn off the modern lights, experience and be with your own darkness and then strike the flint and light the candle that represents the Self's torch of truth.

This is my gift to you. Enjoy this season and enrich the meaning by engaging in a relationship with yourself. Within the darkness you shall come to light.

Rochelle Gravance
Habitsforming.com
Habitsforming@yahoo.com