Gradually slowing down and enjoying the stillness.
Even a semi-seclusion (yes, I’ve been on email a little bit) can be so powerful.
And the wonderful thing is how doing a little makes me want to do much more.
Seclusion day #2
Mandala thoughts
Today was all about slowing down and coming back to center.
Last night’s Oratorio was the kind of deep and powerful experience that needs time to integrate and reflect on in order to fully comprehend it.
Somehow the process made me think of a mandala, because the bits and pieces of the experience — the initial vision, the challenges, the hopes, the compromises, the highs, the lows, the people stuff, the music itself, the thrill of performance — all have their perfect place in the intricate complexity of the whole.
A much needed day of resting and doing a whole lot of nothing was a good start to the process.
Winter: time of rest and hope
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.
Downshifting
Spent a fair amount of time today just sitting on the patio. Watching squirrels and lizards and birds and leaves blowing in the breeze.
And both Ramesha and I remarked on how we could feel ourselves slowing down. Literally downshifting.
Feels really good.