Today is the Winter Solstice. The darkest day of the year. It feels apropos with new lockdown measures falling into place over much of the Northern Hemisphere.
Depending on where you're located, there’s a solid likelihood that it’s shades of last year all over again. Deja vue is the prevailing sentiment of the holiday season, with a sprinkling of canceled plans, and a dash of “everyone is getting it”.
Yes, folks, we’ve been here before.
BUT ….. guess what tomorrow brings??
Tomorrow is the first day that is LONGER than the one before it.
The winter solstice predates modern religion as a celebration of the tipping point when the dark begins, by tiny increments, to give way to the light. One minute per day, in fact.
That adds up to a whole lot of light by the time the summer solstice occurs in June.
HANG TIGHT
The solstice offers an analogy to our modern era. Today may FEEL dark, but light is indeed on the way.
“Think of it as a sacred gateway: an ending and a new beginning. With all the noise of 2021, it is time for some much-needed quiet and inner nourishment. Mother Nature is asking us to reflect, recalibrate, and strengthen our ability to shine in the world"
Mind Body Green
This darkest day of the year is an ideal time to embrace your inner self and reflect on who you are - and where you’d like to go in the year ahead.
It’s a perfect time for reflection, introspection and intention setting.
Try this tonight. Turn off your electronics. Soak up the silence. Meditate in stillness. Light a candle. See what happens next.
BRIGHTER DAYS LIE AHEAD
Let’s be real: we may be in for some rocky moments in the coming months. We’re living through a period in history whose theme is one curve ball after another. At times it feels like it will never end.
No matter what the world dishes up, every subsequent day from now until summer will be a little brighter than the one before.
The unexpected brings with it a silver lining. It builds resilience, and grit, and maybe, just maybe, it shuffles your deck. Regardless of where you find yourself over these strange days, keep smiling.
The tipping point is closer than you think.
The Acorn will be back in 2022 with more inspo and light. In the meantime, stay safe, hug your loved ones, and best wishes for a Healthy, Happy Holiday 🌿
Want more wellness goodies? Try these on for size:
Unusual Immune Boosters
How to Turn Crisis Into Opportunity
AND ..... your Secret Weapon against cold and flu season,
Bone Broth
HEATHER MARTIN
Heather is the founder of The Acorn, and the author of The Wheel of Wellness: Seven Habits of Healthy, Happy People. She’s a licensed naturopath and an unlicensed free thinker. She loves long rambles, far-flung travel, and the road less traveled.
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