Winter Solstice 2020 Update
Winter Solstice 2020
The first light was born out of the dark.
In a certain sense, all human action, thought, and creativity make mirrors for life to behold itself. Yet the closer our acquaintance with the mystery, the more the mystery deepens.
- John O'Donohue
Mystery
I write this on the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, and I am captivated with the mystery, the mystery of life and light, of stars, of breath, of healing, and of love. Early one morning last week I was out walking our dog in the woods. As my mind was imagining the dangers of wolves and other animals in the very dark woods (and I was using calming breath to overcome a bit of fear), the black sky suddenly became very bright with the light of an amazingly brilliant shooting star falling to earth, followed quickly by a thundering explosion. I wondered first if our local newly constructed fire hall had just exploded for the second time in just two years, but some quick research confirmed that no fire or other destruction was evident in our small town, though several residents later reported that their houses had been shaken by the explosion. I subsequently learned that I had witnessed a very rare sight - a meteor streaking across the sky. At the time I had been feeling grumpy about being woken early by our sick dog who needed to get outside earlier than usual, but now I marvel at my good fortune at being out in the dark at just the right time and place to take in such light and mystery. I was present and open to the experience. It doesn't have to take a bright light to shake us awake to the mystery. Being open, present and willing to connect with whatever is engaging at the moment is the most essential. What mystery in your life gives you pause, to stop and take notice? Are you open and present to new experiences?
Gratitude
And speaking of bright lights in the sky, and the return of more light to our winter days, the long-awaited arrival of COVID vaccines is delivering some much-needed hope in a very difficult year that has revealed how much more we depend on our relationships to others, and the world outside our small local spheres, than most of us had appreciated. I feel such gratitude for all of you that have sustained me by joining my yoga practice on Zoom, or on the dock at a safe distance, or tai chi in the parking lot, or by receiving healing work. To show my appreciation of your relationships and support I have recently made a financial contribution to One Tree Planted in your honor. My son introduced me to this organization and it seems especially fitting this year that we marvel at the new life of a little sapling. Consider it a celebration of the healing power of the interconnection of all life. From the roots of the trees, to the shelter and food they provide, and for the perfect combination of molecules they release as air to the mystery of each new breath we take.
Need help getting to sleep, or returning to sleep?
Try this simple breathing technique: breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, exhale for a count of 8. Repeat 3-5 times, keeping your focus on your breath. Pause. Bring your breath back to a comfortable rhythm with a gentle inhale and exhale of equal length, a count of 5 or 6 is good. If sleep is still elusive try the series again: inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8. Relax completely and return to a normal breath cycle for you. Keep your mind clear of any distracting thoughts - if thoughts creep in bring your attention back to your breath. Give it a try. Good luck!
Parting thought
Gratitude is the understanding that many millions of things come together and live together and mesh together and breathe together in order for us to take even one more breath of air, that the underlying gift of life and incarnation as a living, participating human being is a privilege; that we are miraculously part of something, rather than nothing.
- David Whyte
Sending love and light on this darkest day to you with warmest regards and infinite hopefulness for a more peaceful, communal, healthy and awe-filled New Year all around. May your days be filled with friends, family, fun movement, and safe ways to connect with all those you carry in your heart. May you find the mystery in all things!
Light and love,
Marnie
