Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice on the 21st of December this year marks the moment in our year where we experience the shortest day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern Hemisphere experience the longest amount of daylight hours for the Summer Solstice. The sun is at its furthest point from the equator and at its maximum angle of tilt from the sun.
The word solstice comes from Latin and express how the sun appears to ‘stand still’. Across the world these solstice moments have been historically symbolic marking the shifts of the seasons and can mark the mid-points of the winter and summer seasons. It can be seen as the astronomical start of Winter.
The shift of the light levels, the temperates and the impact this has on our natural world around us connects us to this moment as we are part of nature too. It’s a reminder us of how our lives can shift and change through the course of the year, just as our light levels do, a reminder of the seasons in life.
The solstice is a time of the calendar where we can invite a pause to stand still, to reflect on the months gone since the last solstice or even the equinox. The themes and wisdom I like to connect with from the solstice are about taking a moment of rest and pause in the darkness, the celebrate the gentle return of the light.
For me the easiest way to connect with the winter solstice is to pay attention to the sunrise and sunset, whether it is a cloudy day or we are lucky to have clear skies. Connecting to something which happens naturally, is out of our control and enables us to connect to the bigger picture and is a small moment of joy which we know will happen everyday. Whether we watch from our window, we are on a commute to work, or are outside on a walk, mark the moment by pausing in some way.
During the days around and on the Solstice I will likely write in my journal, talk with a friend or sit and think. I keep it fluid and make space for pausing and reflecting at a time which works for me.
At this time of the year I use the pause to start the reflecting on the year and the season. Some years I start earlier and others later. It’s a marker point and a reminder that this is the time for pausing and slowing and going inwards and resting.
During the days around the solstice see where you could make space to pause.
You might want to use the pause to sit and reflect on a few questions or use the time to have space to quieten your mind and rest.
There are lots of prompts which you can find online if you want to mark the solstice with a reflection practice. Here are a few of my own which might support you at this time of year.
Use them all, find one or two which really resonate with what you feel you want to reflect on, or adjust the questions to something which feels more you.
What has happened in life since the Summer Solstice in June?
What has felt nourishing?
What has felt most joyful?
What has felt fulfilling?
What has felt challenging? What have you done to support yourself?
What are you learning?
What words would you use to sum up the time since the Summer Solstice?
What are you most grateful for?
Sending you Solstice blessings, love and warmth.
Lucy x