Peace on Earth is a phrase we associate with the holidays, but many Americans are feeling weary. We simply want to put the Dumpster Fire that was 2020 behind us. In the midst of a pandemic, police violence and a recession, Winter Solstice symbolizes hope. Winter Solstice commemorates the shortest day and longest night of the year. In ancient times Pagans burned the Yule Log marking this cycle of death and rebirth, and this ritual reminds us that the spring will come again. At 5:30am on December 21, when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere, I plan to give myself the gift of calm and stillness. My hope is that on December 21, you are inspired to try the restorative practices listed below.
Breathe. Sitting quietly and listening to your breath helps slow your heart rate, directs your awareness to your body and brings your consciousness to the present moment. Try counting to ten, by breathing in on one, breathing out on two, and so on. Stopping to breathe in this manner four times throughout your day will help you get focused, calm and centered.
Write a gratitude list. Writing a five-point gratitude list in the morning serves as a reminder to focus on the things that are going well in our lives. When this action is adopted as a daily practice it causes one to look for the beautiful, simple things that bring us joy.
Move your body. For this spoiled California Girl, it can be tough to get outside to exercise in the freezing 65-degree weather. (Don’t judge me, I already admitted that I am spoiled by sunny weather.) However, once I don my ski gear and start to move, I feel A-MAZ-ING! Getting outside and walking 15 minutes is a mood-booster. Getting outside to marvel at the slight change in the weather, trees and plants is a great way to connect with nature.
Think restorative. Make time to engage in an activity that recharges your batteries. Be playful and try to remember the things that made you smile as a child. It could mean dancing, doing something creative, reconnecting with friends, getting out in nature or cooking a healthy meal. When making plans during the holidays, be mindful of what types of activities restore your energy and which activities drain your energy. Be intentional about how you want to feel when engaging in holiday celebrations.
Be still. Cold weather makes winter a quieter time of year in nature. This is a great reminder to dedicate quiet time to focus on inner growth. Take an inventory of people, places and things that promote serenity in your life. What elements of your life can you increase or decrease to promote tranquility? Set clear intentions for the next year and post them where you can be reminded each day. Journal about why these intentions are important to you.
My intention for Winter Solstice 2020 is to focus on rebirth and hope. I am replacing the image of the dumpster fire with the image of the sun. I have faith that the darkness of 2020 will be replaced with light. In 2021 I believe that health, prosperity and unity will return.
Do you celebrate Winter Solstice? Share your restorative holiday rituals by leaving a comment below.
Mindful Career Guide 