For those of you living in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is on Saturday, December 21st. The winter solstice marks the time when the days get longer and the nights get shorter. It’s the beginning of winter and the return of light.
Symbolically, the beginning of winter reminds us to honor the dark, as much as we do the light. It’s a time to be reflective, to get quiet and to look within.
It’s a time to return to stillness.
In honor of the winter solstice, I will be unplugging for the entire day on Saturday. No email. No Facebook. No Twitter. No blog posts. No TV. No computer work. I’m taking a technology break for one full day.
And…here’s the fun part. We won’t be turning on any lights (except Christmas lights) once the sun goes down. Just candles, the fire and us. I’ve planned a simple soup that can heat up on top of our wood-burning stove. The boys will get to open one present – a new game we can all play. And they are going to LOVE having a night with candles, snuggly jammies and our full attention. Together as a family, in the dark – honoring the night – unplugging from the world to deeply connect, savor the present moment and welcome the gifts winter brings.
How about joining us? Get your candles ready and as the sun goes down turn off the lights, shut down the gadgets and honor the dark.
Unplugging will not only give you that much needed break from the world, but it will help you stay more present, centered and connected to yourself and to your loved ones as you celebrate the holidays.
Get quiet. Honor the dark. And celebrate your light.
Your Personal Reflection:
What can you do to simplify this Saturday – the winter solstice – so that you can find some quiet time to go within? Can you unplug for the day? Or keep the lights down low when the night comes? Rather than lighting up your home with the light from the TV or computer – how about using candles instead? How about plan some special family time? Or take a bubble bath, write in your journal, do some yoga with your partner, or read your favorite book under a warm quilt. Think or write about what you need in this moment as the holidays approach – and make space for what matters most to you.
Peace and love to you today, and always.
