As the tranquil, longest night approaches on the winter solstice, use this time for reflection and introspection. Let’s explore using winter’s peaceful darkness and stillness to foster mental clarity and using seasonal light to benefit your highest good during the serene, darkest days.
Rest, Renewal and Reflection
Use the energy of the darkest night to harness emotional balance. Lunar energy is associated with water and the moon. It embodies intuition, emotion, reflection, receptivity and mystery. Lunar energy is considered passive, nurturing and introspective. The moon symbolizes cycles, dreams and the subconscious. It is a source of wisdom and inner knowledge. Lunar energy enhances dream work and connects to the inner mind.
Light candles or cozy by the fireplace and sit in the darkness while meditating, reading or journaling. Take a break from social media and doom-scrolling to restore mental energy. Embrace the slower pace by improving mental health and deepening relationships. Create a calming evening routine with lavender-scented candles or aromatherapy. Make a nourishing winter meal on the longest solstice night, such as a comforting soup, baked goodies and a hot mulled wine or cocoa. Remember, self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity!
Light’s return
Every day after the winter solstice, the light returns until the summer solstice, and we return to the darkness. Solar energy is associated with fire and the sun and embodies strength, vitality, action, creativity and illumination. It’s considered active, dynamic and assertive. This is why, each day bringing more light, many will get out of their winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The sun symbolizes life, growth, clarity and power. It is a source of inspiration and enlightenment. Bring more light and positivity into daily life with home décor, gratitude practices, or acts of kindness.
Utilize solar energy and do volunteer work. Volunteering teaches unique and valuable skills that will have immense power for the summer if learned during the winter. It also provides a sense of purpose and connection, which can be particularly beneficial during the darker, colder months. Plus, giving acts of kindness to others triggers those reward centers in your brain when you’ve succeeded. Ultimately reducing stress or any SAD. Donate to an animal shelter. Many shelter animals could use a soft, warm blanket to cuddle up during the cold and long night.
Take reflective morning walks in nature. Morning is also a great time to harness the sun by doing sun salutations or guided meditations on renewal. While the sun may not shine as bright during the winter, use your time with it to manifest goals, initiate new projects, and bring ideas to fruition—set powerful intentions for the coming year during the winter solstice. Identify priorities and set achievable goals. Write them down, then revisit those intentions to stay grounded and inspired at the summer solstice. Jump on some New Year’s resolutions early and create a solstice-inspired vision board.
Seasons of Growth
The winter solstice is an excellent time to reflect on personal seasons of growth. It marks a significant transition in the natural world, and similarly, it can be a powerful time for personal transformation. Evaluate past achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from the autumn equinox. Use the importance of slowing down like nature does during winter and recharge for future growth. Just as bears hibernate, use the season to renew and rejuvenate before the vibrant spring returns.
And remember, before striking those matches to light the way, review and renew your ResidentShield renter’s insurance so you can have a worry-free winter.
So, permit yourself to rest, release what is heavy and honor the darkness for transformation and growth. No amount of darkness can dim your light!
