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| Tuning in to the Healing Energy of the Winter Solstice |
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I firmly believe that a key cornerstone of recovery is learning to live our lives in alignment with nature and the natural order of the universe.
In reference to the holiday season, it is interesting to note that Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan and Kwanza - and many other holiday traditions passed down through the ages - tend to coincide with the coming of the winter solstice. These "holy days" embody sacred holiday traditions that, unfortunately, we tend to lose sight of in our hectic, fast-paced lives. The winter solstice, which ushers in the winter season, occurs on the shortest day of the year, when the sun reaches its lowest arc in the sky. This year, the winter solstice will occur on December 22.
For thousands of years, traditional peoples paid tribute to winter as a sacred season where we honor the closing of circles in our lives - where we learn, from nature, how to honor the darkness of life's mysteries without losing faith - how to recognize the seeds of growth in the midst of apparent coldness and darkness, and nurture them in our own inner warmth until the light returns. Symbolically, by tuning in to the subtle energies that permeate nature during winter, we learn that health, serenity and healing energy are within our reach even in the darkest moments of our lives, provided that we focus on their manifestation with positive intent.
Ancient traditions teach us that during the dark days of winter, it is appropriate to reflect on the unfulfilled places in our lives, seeking guidance from our higher power as to how we may best prepare these as fields, where we may sow the seeds of hope and growth. Appropriate questions to reflect on during this season include:
What am I endeavoring to manifest at this point in my life?
What old patterns and behaviors can I release now, to further my highest good?
What are the best ways to refresh myself - physically, emotionally and spiritually?
What new ideas and aspirations are taking seed this season, and how can I best nurture them to fruition, as the earth nurtures her seeds?
How can I make the best use of this lifetime?
In the interest of attaining balance and serenity, in the midst of all the frenzied "trappings" that accompany the holiday season in our particular culture, it behooves us to SLOW DOWN and heed winter's call to turn inward, in pursuit of rest and renewal. If we are willing to take a momentary detour from the fast lane, nature provides us with abundant opportunity to experience the healing energy of the winter season. Some of my own favorites include:
Taking a walk in nature, and observing the changing colors of the trees, the falling leaves and other seasonal changes - and noticing the special scents that winter imparts to the air we breathe.
Getting into the snow, to experience the season in its full glory - In our new home on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, our coastal community is already surrounded by breath-taking vistas of snow-capped peaks. (As I'm typing these words, I'm gazing out my window at a beautiful double rainbow, arching across the November sky.) In previous winters, when Ann and I lived in Southern California, we enjoyed driving out to Wrightwood or Mount San Jacinto for a delightful day of snow-boarding.
Observing the winter sky in all its glory - Treat yourself to an enchanting winter's evening by driving out far from the city lights, and reacquainting yourself with Leo, Orion and other special constellations that light up the sky this time of year.
We can further our connection with winter's healing energy by celebrating the many opportunities the season provides for reconnecting with friends and loved ones. This is best done when we nurture heartfelt connections out of a sense of community and brotherhood, rather than succumbing to the frenzied pattern of obligatory socializing that entraps many people as the holidays approach. Over the years, I've noticed that my own favorite venues for holiday socializing revolve around music - sharing folk songs, together with and Christmas and Hanukkah carols.
Whatever you choose to do to celebrate this year's holiday season, remember to slow down and savor nature's call to turn inward, seeking both physical and spiritual renewal. My best wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyous and healthy holiday season.
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About The Author:
John Newport, Ph.D., is author of The Wellness Recovery Connection: Charting Your Pathway to Optimal Health While Recovering from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (Health Communications, Inc., 2004). He is a free-lance writer and wellness counselor based in Port Townsend, Washington and is available (either in person or by telephone) for low-cost personal counseling on all issues relating to wellness and recovery. To contact Dr. John, visit his website at www.wellnessandrecovery.com or call (360) 385-0229. |
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