Today is the Winter Solstice, or the shortest day of the year . . . and the longest night. It is when the gathering animals like birds and squirrels had better be prepared for colder weather with lots of food stored up under leaves, in knot holes, and in woodpiles.
And it’s the peaking of desire for long winter naps in all nature’s creatures, including us. This change of season causes us to want to eat more comfort foods and possibly sweets than usual, gathering in warmth and energy to carry us through the cooler days. We long for coziness, comfort and quiet. The foods of the season bring that into our experience.
And so does watching nature. Walking upon the leaves that fell from the now bare trees reminds us that it’s time for slower, quieter, calmer days. Seeing the squirrels outside my window hurrying about munching acorns and hiding even more for later makes me want to tend my fires and wrap up in a blanket with a book. It is the time to sleep, reflect, eat (but not too too much). Breathe and stretch slowly and mindfully. Move, but in a Winter kind of way. Let yourself slow down and feel the luxury of Winter.
Have some honey in a cup of tea (shameless plug for Lieber Honey). Read a book. Watch a cheesy Christmas movie!
I will do the same. As much as I can. That’s the key: as much as you can. If slowing down feels like work, it won’t be the warm hug of a quiet moment that it could. Do it without guilt, or feeling like you “should” be “doing” something to get ready for your holiday celebrations. Just put it all down for a bit. The world will still spin.
And you’ll dance with grace and ease once you’ve had a little Solstice space to just be.
It’s Solstice that calls us to remember that we are human beings rather than human doings.
I wish you great peace.
Jana
p.s. Here’s a nifty article that shows how the earth moves through the solstices and equinoxes. It’s from the Farmer’s Almanac. https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-winter-winter-solstice
p.p.s.
An update about changes in my practice: We are still building our house up near St Jo, Texas. It’s started. There’s a foundation and walls are beginning! It’s an ICF (Internal Concrete Form) construction with a SIP roof. Super low VOC and very energy efficient! Here’s a picture so far!
I will be in the office in January and February with a slightly reduced availability. I believe all of the appointments are now taken. Email me if you’d like to get on the wait list for a cancellation, please.
I am sorry to be less available. I truly love helping people feel better. I do. Sometimes life takes us in new directions, and this is one of those times. I’m very excited about it – country living, new things to add to my creative life, helping run Lieber Honey. I feel quite certain that there will be new ways that I can help people, and the existing ways will morph and some will expand. Look for future emails keeping you up to date. I will be doing more with the Bach Remedies. Some of you have tried the Happy Home spray that uplifts the energy and joy in a space. Some have been helped by the Balance and Calm blend to help folks experiencing vertigo. And I’ll let you know what is happening with Lieber Honey.
Blessings!
