"I have lived in the darkness for so long. I am waiting for the light to shine!" (from Roger Miller's Tony-Award Winning 1985 Musical, Big River, as sung by Huck Finn) https://youtu.be/7cV-oQMDA2Y?feature=shared
So many people have mentioned lately they are struggling once again with living in the dark days leading up to December 21. The days are growing shorter until the returning daylight breaks forth at Winter Solstice! It feels sooo dark by 5 p.m., and many are still adjusting their light exposure, exercise regimen, and sleep schedule to offset their Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms. What we don't often notice is that at a deeper level, in our sleeping and semi-conscious states, we are processing all the harried experiences of our light-suffused year. Our ambient awareness is somewhat doused by muted light, colors, tones, and sounds, allowing room for contemplation and deepening. We are composting!
As we enter into the wintering time of the year, waiting for the Light to shine, we can go deeper. We can work WITH nature, instead of slogging through it with begrudging spirit or flagging energy, or even taking heroic strides to dominate and control it with brighter lights, more commotion, constant noise, or busyness. Maybe slowing into the rhythm of the darkness, allowing its calming cadence, leaning into slower breathwork, balance and toning exercise throughout the day will be a spiritual balm for what ails us. Maybe it will help us with our discernment about our next step - that vocational shift or promotion, retirement, relationship, health challenge, or the prospect of moving. Maybe it will let us look at all the loss, the grief, the questions, the anger, feelings of powerlessness and lethargy - the imperceptible but grievous splinters that wedge their way into our hearts and consciousness all year, only to fester and shackle us. Maybe it will give us time to breathe through the laboring pains to birth something entirely new in the springtime.
While waiting for the Light to shine, maybe we can usher in the dawn.
Maybe get away for a while. Work with a guide. Turn the soil. See what is growing beneath the surface. This is what a "Composting the Soul" retreat is for, and why coming away for a while in the wintering months might be just the time you need. https://www.environmentalsoulutions.com/services/retreats Maybe you just need an hour or two. Or a moment. But take your moment, and make it count.
What are you composting in the slow march toward Solstice? Let there be Light!
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