Can you believe that 2024 is almost over already? I don't know about you, but this year seemed to go by faster than any other year before and it doesn't seem to be a product of my age - even my 18 year old daughter said this year just flew by!
As the year winds down and the Winter Solstice approaches, we are reminded of nature’s rhythm—a rhythm that calls us to slow down, pause, and simply be. I always like to sleep a little longer and later with the dark lingering longer into the morning and the chill in the air making the cozy blankets feel so inviting.
The Solstice, marking the longest night of the year, is a time of stillness and deep reflection. It invites us to embrace the quiet, to honor what has passed, and to plant seeds for what is yet to come. While the holidays can have us feeling like things are more hectic than usual, it is important to remember self care and the beauty of quiet and peace.
In the busyness of the season, we often forget that rest is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Just as the earth rests in winter, so must we. Taking time to pause allows us to connect with ourselves, release what no longer serves us, and create space for the light to return.
This Winter Solstice, I encourage you to gift yourself the time to pause and reconnect. As you know, I love to create ritual and traditions to engage with in our creation of the best lives we can live. Below, I’ve shared a simple ritual to honor this sacred time, along with journal prompts to guide your reflection.
Winter Solstice Ritual
What You’ll Need:
A candle (preferably white or gold)
A cozy blanket or shawl
A journal and pen
Small pieces of paper and a pen
A metal bowl or pot (safe for burning paper)
A bowl of water
Optional: soothing music or nature sounds. (See the playlist I created for our own Winter Solstice ritual.)
Your favorite herbal tea: this time of year I love the Pumpkin Spice Chais that are out there and also peppermint tea
Step 1: Set the SceneFind a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Dim the lights and create a sacred atmosphere with candles, incense, or essential oils.
Step 2: Center YourselfWrap yourself in a blanket, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Visualize roots extending from your body into the earth, grounding you.
Step 3: Reflect on the DarknessWrite down the challenges or burdens from this year that you wish to release on small pieces of paper. Take your time with each one, giving it the acknowledgment it deserves.
Step 4: Burn and ReleaseOne by one, carefully light the pieces of paper on fire using the candle and drop them into the metal bowl or pot to burn away. As you do this, visualize these challenges transforming into smoke, leaving your life and making space for new growth.
Step 5: Wash Away the PastOnce the papers are burned, dip your hands into the bowl of water. As you wash your hands, imagine washing away the past that no longer serves you. Feel a sense of lightness and renewal.
Step 6: Embrace GratitudeWrite in your journal about what you are grateful for. Focus on the light within the darkness—the moments, people, or insights that brought joy and clarity to your year.
Step 7: Set Intentions for the LightBlow out the candle and sit in the darkness for a moment. Feel the stillness. Then relight the candle, symbolizing the return of the light. Journal about what you wish to nurture and grow in the coming months.
Step 8: Close with SilenceSit quietly with your thoughts or play soft music. Let yourself simply be. Enjoy your warm tea and allow yourself to just rest.
Journal Prompts for the Winter Solstice
What have I learned from the challenges I faced this year?
What am I most grateful for as this year ends?
What do I want to release before stepping into the new year?
How can I embrace rest and stillness in the coming weeks?
What seeds of intention do I wish to plant for the light-filled days ahead?
Let this season be a time of gentleness and renewal. No matter what your tradition of faith is, you can incorporate this ceremony into your winter traditions. You deserve the space to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your inner self.
Wishing you peace, warmth, and light this Winter Solstice and always.
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