In this darkest time of the year (at least in the northern hemisphere), we seek and celebrate the light. For many, this is a busy holiday time of year. There is Christmas shopping, holiday parties, family gatherings. This may or may not be highly enjoyable. Many look forward to the fun and heart-warming times with friends and family. Others can’t wait for this often demanding time of year to be over! What is it about this holiday time that may be stressful?
Obvious stresses are the financial stretches many experience to provide gifts for loved ones, as well as colleagues, and others we may be expected to remember this time of year. Even for those who enjoy the parties, the food, drink and late hours can be stressful for the body. Preparations also demand extra time and energy for those who, in our speedy modern culture, are so often already stretched.
I have always wondered at our modern, western tendency to fill every possible moment with activity, particularly at this time of year. Growing up in the northern hemisphere, my body perceives this as a time of darkness. Part of me wants to hibernate, to crawl into my cage to digest and rejuvenate, emerging in my new form when the days are lighter, longer and warmer.
My dear mentor, Emilie Conrad, founder of Continuum Movement, often spoke of our need to be “hibernative.” We need times to go within, to be quiet, to return to source, to “re-source.” In Craniosacral Biodynamics, we orient to the dynamic stillness from whence we emerge, recognizing its omnipotence. The nourishment of stillness is always available in the space between. When we pause, when we allow ourselves settle into quietude, we are able more easily to digest and integrate our experiences. We can regulate our often over-active nervous systems. We can rest and remember who we are and what is most important to us deep within. How do you support yourself in slowing down and settling?
Today, as I write this, is the Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, but also a time of change and transition in the southern hemisphere. We are shifting today from one polarity towards another. On this darkest day of the year, we begin to move back into the light. This dark time supports our ability to go within, to find our inner light, our love, our knowing.
I see a similar process occurring in our world today. It seems that there is a potential theme on our planet available just now about choosing what we are going to stand behind. What do we love and care about? Where is our sense of connectedness and wholeness? Or are we going to act from a state of fear, victimhood, separation and isolation? I am moved by the actions I see all around me of people speaking out for what is important to them. I invite you to also shine the light as brightly as you can within, to check what gifts you have to share with yourself and with our needy world.
I hope the work I offer can support you and others in slowing down and listening more deeply and clearly to what you know within, kindling the inner fires, being warmed by the love that is there to guide you.
Wishing you a happy Solstice, joyous, peaceful holidays, and a very blessed new year!
