Winter Solstice

December 21 marks the winter solstice. It is the shortest day of the year. We celebrate the solstice as a 24 hour period but it is really just a moment. And, like all moments and all things, it passes and we move on. This morning, at 7:04 EST, the earth's axis tilted to its southernmost extreme, and for a moment it appeared that the sun stood still. How often in life it seems as if time stands still! Yet, we are really moving forward, changing, and repeating cycles and lessons that are essential for spiritual growth.

We observe today as the first day of winter and we leave autumn behind. The winter is like midnight. We have fallen asleep and we enter the restorative phase. We awaken in spring refreshed, ready for new life.

To me winter marks progress and the heralding of foward motion within the cycle. Starting now the days grow longer. In Salem, we are in the midst of a storm and the hard earth is blanketed in white. I am home and mother nature has imposed a stillness. The life force, infinite intelligence, is gently reminding me to rest, reflect, and go inward. To lift my heart, mind, and spirit to the sun even in the darkest and grayest of times. For yes, the days will grow longer and the sun will warm my face again. But today, I must slow down, rest, and restore for the future.