Nature arranges its own ceremonies and one of them is the Winter Solstice, the longest night in the northern hemisphere, celebrated on the 21st December each year. Yes, there is science behind the phenomenon, but here we are exploring the symbology of the longest and coldest night.
Wiki demystifies Solstice with the Latin definition, ‘Sol’ means the sun and ‘Sistere’ means to stand still. What a glorious derivation – ‘When the sun stands still’. The eternal source of light, centre of our system, tireless life giver, provider of prana, the sun, can it ever stand still?
The longest night has its significance in darkness. Within darkness is the ability to crave for light. Seeds germinate deep down the dark spaces. Lonely, under pressure, crushed, is the feeling. Either the seeds can blame the soil or push their outer covering to rise. A long dark period in life is an offering of life itself, for us to reflect on how to push through the past, baggage, and disserving emotions. It is a period of bringing the hidden demons out in the open. The silence and loneliness focus on what is of real value and separates unimportant habits or emotions we have been carrying along without paying too much attention. They take up too much time and we live with them out of sheer inertia.
The cycles of life, rhythm of nature is the hidden reminder. These laws of nature is what the solstice marks. Life isn’t linear, how much we make it out to be. We live in a continuous matrix and vortex. As I type, my heart is beating, mind is jogging and fingers moving. With each cycle, we honour the law, lesson, and get ready to move forward with the action. Getting ready to march forward with hope, courage and a zeal to be of the highest purpose is the true nature of life.
It is no coincidence that the winter solstice is celebrated a few days before the birth of the world teacher, The Christ. It takes darkness, pressure, struggle, pain, will power and love to be born and follow the purpose of higher good.
The sun stands still, giving us the moment to rise to the ceremony of higher cause. As we reflect on shedding the meaningless thoughts, emotions, and habits, in its grace, mercy and benevolence, the sun waits to illuminate the dark minds. As we brace up, the Christ shines upon the hearts and minds to lead the way. So much for us to just act upon. The stage is set.
What can we be to make the best out of nature’s ceremony? What can we offer to the longest, coldest night of our life? What can we let go and what can we embrace? Here is a short activity you can do to turn every night of your life into a masterclass.
1. Find the stillness in your being
2. Go through the day, month and life gone by.
3. Make a list of your goals for the next day, the month or year.
4. Think through all the excuses your mind throws at you for delaying things.
5. Strike out activities which are not important, but you do as a habit built over the years.
6. Identify all distractions delaying the progress.
7. Find ways to surpass feelings which act as hindrances to progress.
8. Get buddies, things you like, activities which will help you achieve your goal faster.
9. Set a timeline, accountability and a process which is written.
10. An attitude of courage, action and understanding to push through the darkness differentiates you from the herd.
The sun will always shine, nature will keep offering ceremonies and there will always be abundance. What can we be to bask in this light depends upon us?
Happy Winter Solstice!