The Winter Solstice is that time of year where we honor the dark and welcome the light.
As we enter the shortest day and longest night, remember that seeds germinate in the darkness of the soil, and in the darkness of the night the stars shine bright.
It can often be a challenging time for many of us and so in this post I’d like to share a poem I wrote about it.
The Winter Solstice is a powerful seasonal threshold, especially for those of us that feel called to tend to creative ideas and meaningful work.
This time of darkness often brings fear, uncertainty, and a sense of stuckness, but it also holds the quiet beginnings of what wants to be born next.
In this reflection, I explore how stillness, inner darkness, and even procrastination can be part of the creative process, rather than something to push through or fix.
Here’s the poem I wrote:
Winter Solstice Wisdom
Throughout these darkest days of the year
Our inner darkness may arise and cause terror and fear
It may feel like a volcano erupting inside
Like there’s no-where to run to, no-where to hide
The past year is being put to rest
A new birthing within you, invite this new guest
On the darkest day call for the Spirit of Winter to come
To see you through, wrap you in warmth and be your best chum
In the stillness of the earth, activity stirs in the creative void
All is happening within you; try not to worry or to get annoyed
Doing is not important now, the best you can do is to rest and be still
Release all yearnings, do not expect or anticipate, just chill……
Just listen, what is to come will be shown to you; the beginning of its dream is here
Welcome these new beginnings and know the lighter days are near
The holiday season tends to add to the intensity of this time, often bringing a mixed bag of emotions into the mix. Some feeling sorrow, others jolly and joyful, and perhaps both at once.
This is a great time to take a moment to warm your heart; light a candle, have a fire, surround yourself with delightful sounds, smells and sights. And be still…
Take this time to just be.
And when the light slowly begins to return and something asks to be expressed or brought to life through you, don’t force yourself into action.
The most sustainable momentum doesn’t come from pushing or hustling. It comes from listening.
If, in the days or weeks ahead, you notice a project calling you but you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to begin or return to that old project, I’ve created a free resource to support you in moving forward without losing this sense of stillness and spaciousness.