Through Darkness There is Always Light

As we enter this time of the Winter Solstice, the darkest and longest night of the year, we stand in the midst of so many unprecedented shifts on the earth and particularly within our own country. How we step through this time of the year, MATTERS. It is a powerful time to witness and listen to the call that runs deep within us and share it in community.

Through the darkness there is always light, when life throws its obstacles at us we can shield ourselves by turning inside, and listening to what’s under the surface.  Darkness exists, as without it, there would be no light. I believe there has been a huge shadow in our country that has been lurking just under the surface and is revealing its ugly face now.  It’s not pretty but many say it is all part of the unfolding of what needs to happen for us to take this next step in our evolution.

I am looking at my own shadow and demons and seeing where I have been out of alignment in myself.  I see this time as an opportunity for those of us committed to the light, to dig deep and seek the warrior strength that is needed to face these times ahead. When we realize our inner strength and that we have choice, we need not fear the darkness.   With the power of choice and intention, I think we have a huge opportunity to live into an a new frequency, connected to an infinite source of love and consciousness.  As the Hopi prophet says:

“There is a river flowing now very fast.  It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.  They will try to hold on to the shore.   They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination.  The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water.   And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.”

So on this shortest day of the year, I invite you to celebrate the Winter Solstice with me, leaving behind your fears of what the future holds, deepen your roots, connect with nature and hold the vision for the future you desire.

Winter Solstice rituals and celebrations serve to remind us not to become fully engulfed by darkness, but rather choose to understand it and the gift it can bestow. To recognize that this darkness is not just the physical darkness of winter, but also the darkness that creeps into our minds, clouds our vision.

If you have the opportunity, gather with friends, Light candles, have a fire and burn away anything you want to let go of.  Speak what you are grateful for or something you wish for another person.  Create an offering for nature around you and the animals beings.  Together let’s ignite the inner light and spread the intention for a new cycle of love, strength and rebirth!!

If you are in Boulder, CO.  please join me for my annual Women’s Solstice Practice December 18th from 3-6pm.  For more information go here.

Here’s a beautiful chant from the Upanishads. Happy Solstice celebrations!

Asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotir gamaya
mrtyorma amrtam gamaya

Lead me from Untruth to Truth

Lead me from Darkness to Light

Lead me from Death to Immortality

(Brhadaranyaka Upanishad — I.iii.28)