Winter Solstice is the moment when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun, therefore we are exposed to the least amount of sunlight and the biggest amount of darkness. Winter solstice 2022 occurs on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 4:48 p.m. EST for the Northern Hemisphere. This planetary situation has a direct impact on our body, mind, spirit, emotional and general wellbeing. Myriad of world cultures have found ways to bring joy, peace, contentment and a sense of good rhythm to this time of year. Life can draw us out of that groove of goodness. This article is about finding our own North Star and recalibrating our guidance systems to get the most from this celestial event.

CONNECT WITH THE UNIVERSAL FLOW

Consciously approaching Winter Solstice is little bit like planning for a family gathering.  It’s much easier to navigate our inner landscape with the rhythms of nature when we are intentional about the process. When we are approaching Winter Solstice consciously we know that there’s very little light available to us, it’s the time of going inward, slowing down and cultivating our inner light. Naturally, we may be feeling a bit down or sluggish and want to hide under warm blanket with a cup of tea. Having this awareness, we can let ourselves do that with much more compassion, self-love and intention. It’s called self-care not laziness. The more I listen to my body and connect with the natural rhythms of nature, the more peaceful, healthy and harmonious my life seems to be. It’s about going with the flow of the Universe not against it. Give the gift of connecting with this flow by consciously meditating for a short while each day leading up to this Solstice.    

HOPE

Let’s face it, it’s dark, cold and going outside doesn’t appeal to everyone but deep inside we know ski season, fresh snow, baked goods that yes Spring is on its way and all the beauty that brings. Hope keeps us going. Similarly, whatever darkness we may be facing in our lives we can choose to accept it for what it is, feel it fully and in the same time pray and hope that things will change and the light will shine again soon. Know that you are not alone and that your prayers, your intentions your visions are supported, let the Universe help. Let’s be grateful for the darkness as it helps us to appreciate the light even more. In the midst of dark, cold Winter we sometimes feel that it will never end but finding hope in our hearts will see us through. Make time to look at the stars, find a familiar constellation and give it some space in your heart. Winter Solstice is the time of year that a little light of hope shows up in my heart that says, each day will get longer and brighter. This did not come to stay, it has come to pass.     

SLOW DOWN

During Winter Solstice energies can be low, even animals hibernate, so it’s not time to go out most nights and run around shopping malls. It’s the time to slow down, listen, go within and enjoy the silence. There will be time for making our goals and dreams come true but now it’s time of slowing down and going inwards to generate energy for the new season. Take time off this festive season and enjoy doing nothing, snuggling up, reading books, writing, watching movies and resting.  Make a tea and give yourself time to drink it.   

RE-NEW YOURSELF

One of the main reasons for slowing down is to gather strength and energy for the new phase of the year. We can’t expect different results next year if we start with the same energy we always had. When we stop, nurture our inner space and raise our vibration in this potent time of the Solstice we renew ourselves and let the seeds of our intention germinate. At Solstice we celebrate the return of the Sun and we know that our energy, creativity and purpose will return as well. This time is going to come and go. How do you want to remember it, what changes can you make to try a different approach to renewing your connection to the movements of the planet, stars, the Universe?

ENJOY AND SHARE YOUR INNER LIGHT

When the days grow shorter and the sky seems low and close we are nearing a point where we light up our rooms with candles and our windows with twinkle lights.  This is when we can turn inward and cherish the light we have inside. The more we nurture our sacred inner spaces the more it nurtures us. This is universal, available to all those who seek. Connect with your inner light, cultivate this relationship and use the imagination. Imagine each time you do something for another that a little bit of light goes with your gesture. Making a tea, dinner, shoveling snow or knitting a scarf, add a little of your own light to each thing that you do this year and watch that light spread out and shine.

So, there you have it, a small guide into Winter Solstice. If you would like to celebrate Winter Solstice with like-minded people and really feel its power come and join us on 21st of December.

I’m wishing you lots of awareness, self-compassion and gentleness during this festive time.