(not necessarily in that order)
There’s something about being in seclusion this week between Christmas and New Year’s that has me once again staying up much too late at night.
Of course, I had hoped for the exact opposite; that with plenty of free time for rest and meditation, I would actually get to bed earlier than usual.
Ha!
Being in seclusion during the recent snowstorms has prompted me to reflect on the winter solstice wisdom of slowing down and going within.
And in doing so, I remembered that I had set aside the following article (written by Brigit Anna McNeill) to share on the solstice (oops!), but I realize it’s just as appropriate a week late, as winter really gets underway!
The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close… like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.
Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism.
And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.
“Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb-like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth”… and then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.
And here’s an article by David G. Allan (editorial director for CNN Travel, Style, Science and Wellness), for which I also felt a deep resonance: Winter’s wisdom: In the heart of darkness, there is a light
He ends with these beautiful and hopeful words:
And in the winter, go deep inside yourself and get snug and comfortable there if you’re able. This is a dark time — and this winter seems particularly bleak and deadly — but there is always a light of hope. Look for the light, warm yourself by it, and follow it out.
Second day of seclusion and the highlight was taking a walk while it was snowing.
It was pretty magical. I found myself thinking of “My Favorite Things” (“…snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes!”) and trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue (not so easy to do!).
I even stopped a few times to get a video of the big fluffy flakes coming down all around me. Except…I forgot to switch to video, so ended up with still photos of…trees! 😂
Then I saw this beautiful photo and quote posted by a friend on Facebook and knew it was the perfect image for today’s post!
I’m very much enjoying our post-Christmas seclusion time.
All this snow makes it even more special; providing extra motivation to stay warm and cozy at home.
Except that the build up to Christmas severely disrupted my walking routine and I’m feeling the need to get back to it.
So, I bundled up and took a (careful!) walk in some rather deep snow.
This virtual choir video first appeared as part of our Christmas concert, but now it’s shareable on its own.
Enjoy!
Our Christmas Day was just what the doctor ordered.
A day at home — just the two of us — with a few calls to family and friends interspersed throughout.
We finished opening and reading all our beautiful Christmas cards.
We ate delicious treats sent by friends from Switzerland (yum!).
And we listened to Christmas music and watched another Christmas movie.
All in all, a lovely day.
Santa’s helpers make toys and the music ministry makes music, but both of our Christmas tasks are now DONE!
I imagine that the elves get to relax and kick back while Santa delivers gifts around the world, and tomorrow is our day to relax and kick back as well!
We are sooooo ready!
I attended as much as I could of the Christmas 8-hour meditation (which was extremely still and deep and beautiful).
I got the absolute last couple of items needed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities.
I created a Christmas greeting card for our friends in community (which will be replicated for social media as well).
We relaxed with a new Christmas movie, which we both found to be fun and sweetly uplifting.
Now, just two more singing commitments tomorrow and then we’re DONE for this year!
Snow is forecast starting Sunday, which is just fine with us, because we have no intention of going anywhere.
…is love, sweet love! 💖
And this little gnome is doing his part to spread more love everywhere!
I didn’t realize it when I found myself thinking about this meme and wanting to share it again, but I originally posted it exactly a year and a day ago — on December 21, 2020.
And here’s Dionne Warwick in the late 60’s, singing about what the world needs…now and always.
I bought this fabric painting of Krishna from The Expanding Light Boutique way back in my early days with Ananda (probably 2000 or 2001, when I had been on the path for only a few years).
I had been moving around a lot in the years leading up to my arrival at Ananda Palo Alto, and the moves accelerated once I arrived in the Palo Alto community, culminating in my move to Ananda Assisi in 2002.
From there it was Lugano (two moves); back to the States, starting out housesitting; Ananda Village (three moves); Ananda Los Angeles (two moves); and back to Ananda Village (five moves).
And this beautiful Krishna came with me throughout all those moves, sometimes thumbtacked to a wall, often tucked away in a box.
But now — finally! — he’s beautifully displayed and protected within a frame. And it only took twenty years — a small but HUGE thing which I’m feeling really good about. 😊