What Is the Winter Solstice?
It’s the most Yin Time of the Year — that’s why I love the Winter Solstice.
The longest night.
The shortest day.
The first day of Winter.
The least Yang of the year.
The most Yin of the year.
Indeed, It Is the Most Yin Time of the Year
But it doesn’t always seem to be so Yin…
We are challenged with holiday shopping, holiday parties, religious and cultural celebrations, end-of-year-business dealings, traveling, getting stuck in airports and freeways — New Years Eve!
All this Yang excitement!
Not all of us can come to a complete stop and become deeply introspective and rested.
But we can try. A little bit, and then maybe a little bit more.
Just being aware that we need to slow down, to rest and to dream in the midst of the whirlwind is a great start.
The Season of Winter is Associated with the Taoist Five Element of Water
It’s a time of quiet, calm, introspection, and contemplation.
In this Water-Winter time we need more sleep and rest.
We need to be still and dream and wonder and imagine.
This is a time to be, not to do.
Reach Out to Family, Friends, and Loved Ones.
Another reason why I love the Winter Solstice so much is because it’s the time to examine the love we share with others.
Consider how you can make deeper connections.
Let hurts and slights fall away with forgiveness, and humor, too.
Be open to new people, new experiences, new ways of thinking and feeling.
Be open.
Remember Those Who Have Passed On
Miss them, mourn them, celebrate their life.
Be thankful for the love, memories, and lessons they gave to you to keep forever.
Fear is the Emotion Associated with the Element of Water
Maybe that’s why so many of us are reluctant to be quiet and still, to contemplate and ask the deep questions.
Understandable, for certain.
But, remember, the other side of fear, from a Taoist perspective, is wisdom.
If we let ourselves go deep, to those fearful places, we cannot be anything but wiser for having done so.
This Last Season of the Year is Also the Beginning of the Next
Think of what you are leaving behind and where you are going.
Are you on your Golden Path?
Do you know your creative and spiritual purpose in life?
Are you going where you need to go, in the way that is best for you—in mind, body and spirit?
Happy Winter Solstice!
