Here Comes The Light
BY MIKE SIMMONS, MD
HEAD MOVEMENT COACH, THREE POINT BALANCE
It sneaks up on me every year. . .
Around the middle of November my energy levels drop a bit. I start to feel pensive and more self reflective, wistful, even a little sad. As the days shorten and the light wanes so does my mood.
The leaves lose their brilliant color and fall, embracing the earth with a golden ochre and Sienna blanket. Seeds seeking safety till their work begins next spring, shelter in place beneath the leafy blanket. It is a faithful act, those seeds lying, expecting spring, vulnerable.
Hope is the vital spirit buried deep in the seed; the ambition of the oak in the acorn. Growth will come in the spring. Somehow as the darkness descends on my disposition, paradoxically, I begin to feel the whisperings of hope, just like the seed. The light is coming. It’s alright. Advent. Winter Solstice. Mithra. Dong Zhi. Shab-e Yalda. Hanukkah. Shalako.
Stonehenge opens just right to capture the sun at the moment of sunset on the winter solstice. There is evidence to believe that there have been Solstice ceremonies for 10,000 years. The Solstice is the darkest day of the year and in those ancient times humanity wasn’t just experiencing seasonal affective disorder, they truly feared the sun might not return. So these ceremonies took on great spiritual significance entreating the sun to return and give life to their crops in the coming season. Deeply embedded in our DNA is a sacred search for hope during late fall and early winter.
Here’s the thing . . . I am neuro-chemically, hormonally prepared by the decrease in sunlight exposure for a contemplative, introspective state. This blows my mind. It is not just metaphysical, it’s physiological!
So why would I want to fight it?
I enter in to the rhythm of the seasons. I commit the same faithful act as the seed. With an unguarded view of the past year I ask . . . Where have I grown, what needs more attention?
Like the leaves, what needs to fall away?
And then-what’s coming next year, where do I want to grow, what is the universe telling me about where I might thrive or be of service?
When I think of it, I am boosted by the courage of those through the centuries blessed with the special graces of the season, “here comes the sun, it’s alright...” how shall I respond?
What about you? What are some ways you might celebrate the season in a contemplative way?
Here are a few suggestions.
Solstice Sunrise Meditation: Wake up early on the day of the winter solstice and meditate while watching the sunrise. This is a powerful way to connect with the natural world and welcome the return of the light.
Reflective Journaling: Take some time to write in a journal. Reflect on the past year, acknowledging your growth and challenges. Write down your intentions for the coming year.
Yoga Practice: Participate in a yoga session focused on welcoming the light. This can be done individually or in a group. Incorporate poses that open the heart and invite in new energy.
Nature Walk: Go for a walk outdoors, observing the beauty of nature in winter. Pay attention to the stillness and quiet of this season, and consider what lessons they might offer.
Creative Expression: Engage in a creative activity such as painting, writing poetry, or making music. Let this be an expression of your inner self and your hopes for the coming year.
Candle Lighting Ritual: Light a candle to symbolize the return of the light. As you light it, say a prayer or set an intention for the coming year.
Gratitude Practice: Make a list of things you are grateful for from the past year. This can help shift your focus to positivity and abundance.
Personal Retreat: Spend the day in quiet solitude, giving yourself the space to rest and reflect. This could involve reading inspirational books, taking a warm bath, or simply sitting in silence. This is a gift of self-care to yourself.
One final thing. In The Experience of God, Raimon Panikkar describing the process of change says this: “the leap from one state to another, from one degree to another, from one level to another is not automatic. A collaboration is necessary between a hand that extends itself and arms that are raised to grasp that hand.”
In other words-you might need some help!
At Three Point Balance, www.threepointbalance.com , we offer that extended hand. Through awareness, nourishment and movement we can help you find the balance of body, mind and heart.
Remember, the winter solstice is a time of transition and renewal. It's an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you and to welcome in new possibilities with open arms.
Make the most of this special time by creating rituals that resonate with you and bring you closer to your true self. And, if you’re feeling drawn, contact us at www.threepointbalance.com .
Happy winter solstice!
AUTHOR
Michael Simmons MD
Head Movement Coach,
Founding Owner, Three Point Balance
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