December 21st, 2012
The word “Solstice” is rooted in two Latin words: sol meaning “sun” and sistere meaning “to stand still” because it appears as though the sun and moon stop moving across the sky. To me, celebrating the solstice serves as a beautiful reminder that my life is a part of a larger order, always changing, always renewing. So it’s the perfect time for reflection and re-affirmation of what matters most and what I wish to cultivate in my work and in my life.
I use rituals to celebrate the winter solstice in ways that have meaning for me.
Me – I make a day of it. That’s me. I’m on a mission. 
I light candles and play music that inspires me. I take a walk, take in the fresh air and the magic and beauty of everything around me. I meditate longer than I usually do — with special healing meditations for myself and the world. I drink special tea and I fast. I take my self-assessment and watch my intentions and invocations video and I notice the thoughts that come to me: The celebration of accomplishments; the recognition of the values I embody, the relationships I have strengthened, the obstacles I have overcome; and the observation of what’s lingering, what’s out of alignment with the me I am in the process of creating. I write in my thankfulness journal. I re-affirm my commitments, prepare new ones. I do a lot of wondering and just going with the flow.
Again, that’s me.
What could your ritual be?
- Visit a place outdoors that’s special to you—a trail you can walk or a field you can lie down in, a hillside or rooftop perch that provides the perfect view, or a quiet place in your mind.
- Watch the clouds, the trees, the sunset
- Take a walk
- Write a poem
- Read a book that inspires you
- Reconnect with someone
- Make a list of what you are thankful for
- Make a list of loving wishes for your family, friends, co-workers or the world
- Reflect on your aspirations for the coming months — creating the next version of your highest vision of yourself
- Prepare a simple meal of organic grains, winter vegetables, and herbal teas
- Eat alone and enjoy the solitude of your own company
- Bathe in epsom salts
- Breathe
- Meditate
- Be silent
- Light a candle
- Sing a song
If you have children in your life, you might organize some special activities to share with them, such as:
- Identifying winter plants on a short walk
- Spreading a pine cone with peanut butter and bird seed and watching from a window as the birds eat from it
- Drawing pictures of winter scenes in your neighborhood
- Cutting pictures from magazines that remind them of what they are thankful, pasting them on paper and then talking about it
- Writing an acrostic poem in which you use “solstice” as the root word and use each of its letters as the beginning of a line in the poem.
- Watch together from a warm window as the sun sets and give thanks for both the darkness and the light.
What’s one thing you could do to re-establish your connection with nature and family and what matters most to you? What’s one thing you could do today to feed your spirit and nurture your soul?
For additional ideas and inspiration, take a look at these:
- Inspiring Video: Resolutions, Intentions, and Affirmations for a Life Well-Lived
- Self-Assessment: For a Life Well-Lived
- Blog: Reflection is a Powerful Action
- Blog: What’s Your Poem?
- Blog: What’s Your “I Have a Dream” Speech?”
- Blog: Turning Tragedy into Inspiration: What is the Future you are Creating as you Experience the News of the Connecticut Shootings?
- Audio Book and PDF: Thankfulness Guide with 100s of Activities and Rituals to Practice Thankfulness