The Peace of Winter Solstice
Several years ago, one of my dearest clients passed away from breast cancer. I visited her several times in hospice and was moved by the peace surrounding her last breaths. This time of the year - the deep winter - always reminds me of her and that sacred time. Winter Solstice is the final exhalation, the turning of deepest darkness to the tiniest sliver of light.
Each year my client would light candles throughout her office and home, welcoming the light in the darkness of the Winter Solstice. She did this instead of the traditional Christmas trees, presents and such. As I sit here and write to you, I remember her and this simple, yet beautiful ritual. I also recall her favorite poet, Wendell Berry and a poem of peace that graces this Winter Season:
“The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry
When despair grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting for their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
May you rest in the grace of the world, settling into the silence of your heart as the darkness deepens. Bathe in moonbeams and shimmer with starlight. Allow your being to be filled with peace, becoming once more tender and permeable with the beauty of this life.
In so doing, shift any feelings of coldness, despair, grief and isolation, to the warmth of kindness, presence and contentment.
Wherever you are, whatever you do, whoever you’re with on this Winter Solstice, step slightly outside the circle of activity for just a moment. Slow down. Take a few deep breaths and welcome the Peace of Wild Things. Observe your surroundings with all senses - sight, touch, smell, taste, sound - bring it all in. Savor the moment of stillness. Be generous with yourself - shifting your perspective so that your solitude (even in the midst of a crowd) is not isolating, but rather inviting - inviting your Soul home.
When we allow ourselves this sacred pause, we can feel the poignancy of this time, allowing ourselves and all our cells to steep in the nourishing darkness, as a seed in the Earth and a child in the womb of the Great Mother.
This Winter Solstice, be kind to yourself and give yourself the gift of peace through this series of 4 guided meditations:
Peace, a guided meditation practice
Sacred Pause, a guided meditation practice
Winter Solstice Radiance, a guided journey
Savasana Peace, a yoga nidra experience
Also included:
Mantra for Peace
Mudra Mala for Peace
Seeds of Your Soul, a Winter Solstice Ritual
A Solstice Blessing
