On December 21st, the winter solstice arrives, a magical time when the sun begins its gradual journey to return to us the delightful warmth of spring. At once, darkness invites us inward to seek and find sustenance in that eternal, luminous ember at our core, while beckoning us out into the night to enjoy our sparkling stars.
Predating Christianity, we humans have been doing battle with midwinter’s ominous gloom for centuries with solstice rituals of light and fire, celebrating the warmer, brighter days ahead. In Europe the ancient Yule festival survives even today, with the traditional Yule log, believed to frighten away evil spirits.
What a wonderful time to rejuvenate your spirit by appreciating the miracle of our sun and seasons. Take time to contemplate your life. Nothing happens without personal transformation. Could this be just the right time for your best self to start to shine through? Is it time to rediscover the positive, creative being you are inside? What do you love to do, but have denied yourself for ages? Is it drawing, playing music, watercolors, writing, hiking, dancing? Is it painting your surroundings in all your favorite colors? Start focusing on what is dynamic and creative within. What needs to come out now?
Start each day by asking yourself: “What do I want to happen today?” But this time ask for EXACTLY what you want!
May you know yourself at home in the whole of your life. May you know the vast and infinitesimal blessings of your life as a gift. And may you know and share yourself as a source of great LOVE.
It is hard to learn to ask for exactly what you want. Sometimes it is hard to figure out exactly what you want… Kinda easy in the world peace and that sort of vein, but harder when it comes down to particulars for oneself.
Glorious sunset! I watched a beautiful one in NY Harbor last night too.
I didn’t do as much of what I wanted to do in 2017, but getting to Colorado was a highlight. Hoping I can get the work/life balance in better order in 2018 with more painting and drawing and more paddling after work.
Adventures of the NEW Old Farts 
Beautiful! And your pictures are AMAZING!!!
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It is hard to learn to ask for exactly what you want. Sometimes it is hard to figure out exactly what you want… Kinda easy in the world peace and that sort of vein, but harder when it comes down to particulars for oneself.
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Yes, but what a fun challenge!
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Glorious sunset! I watched a beautiful one in NY Harbor last night too.
I didn’t do as much of what I wanted to do in 2017, but getting to Colorado was a highlight. Hoping I can get the work/life balance in better order in 2018 with more painting and drawing and more paddling after work.
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