Solstice Thoughts

"Darkness reveals the heavenly lights."

For the past several years, a group of friends has gathered in December for the celebration of the Winter solstice. One of the group, a Franciscan sister, prepares a short and simple prayer for us to follow as we stand around a fire in the night.

Once, she asked us to reflect on the meanings we have for darkness. After a few initial responses that brought out the "dark side" of darkness, someone said, "When it's dark, the stars come out."

We immediately looked upward. It had been a cloudy day, but the bright moon flashed through the rapidly flying clouds. Suddenly one of our group pointed and said, "Look a star!"

Filled with renewed animation, this triggered more reflections on darkness including one about growth. The individual said, "In darkness, seeds lay dormant in the ground, away from the light, until the seasons change and they begin to germinate."

This time of year, when Christmas season begins and we move toward the end of the year, I have always felt a singular comfort. A time of year I would describe as "dark and quiet," like the expectant time just before dawn.

For anyone going "through a dark time" in their life, this can be a difficult time of year. Let me suggest a few things to think about that may help with the journey.

Stars - What might you see if you looked up instead of down? So much in life is a matter of perspective, isn't it? A matter of outlook. Of attitude. Even when things seem at their quietest and darkest, there are stars twinkling above.

Seeds - What might be laying dormant within you right now? What potentiality is quietly waiting for the warmth that will trigger new life?

New Year - The new year is coming and, as I write this post, is just a few days away. How will you start this new year? With "more of the same" from this year? Or with a new game-plan? A new vigor?

As Google AI says "The Winter Solstice, the year's longest night, spiritually signifies rebirth, renewal, and the return of light, marking a sacred pause for introspection, honoring the darkness as a source of rest, and setting intentions as the sun begins its rebirth and days lengthen, symbolizing hope, inner light, and new beginnings. It's a time for deep reflection, releasing the old, and welcoming the promise of growth and vitality in the coming cycle."

Why not take a moment this day, December 21st, to enter the stillness, the darkness, and listen for the whisper of unfolding possibilities?

About the author: Terrence "Terry" Seamon has been writing for as long as he can remember. Christmas is his favorite time of year.