THE WINTER SOLSTICE FALLS ON DECEMBER 21 EACH YEAR
In the spirit of self care, community care, accessing our ancestral memory and our most powerful selves, here are 14 different ways that you and your loved ones can spend the winter solstice in observance of a natural phenomena that comes only once a year. Take what works for you from this list, and if possible, consult with elders and your own traditional teachings for guidance on the best ways to acknowledge this event and deepen your spiritual connection during this time.
1. TAKE THE DAY OFF OF WORK OR JUST SLOW DOWN AND REST
2. COOK AND SHARE A HEALTHY, COMFORTING MEAL WITH LOVED ONES
3. REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR
4. GIVE THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR BLESSINGS
5. CLEAN AND HONOR YOUR LIVING SPACE BY DECLUTTERING
6. SHOW THE PEOPLE WHO YOU CARE FOR THAT YOU APPRECIATE THEM
7. CHANNEL YOUR CREATIVE ENERGY THROUGH ARTS, CRAFTS AND EXERCISING YOUR IMAGINATION
8. DRINK NATURAL AND MEDICINAL TEAS
9. PRACTICE SPECIAL SELF-CARE RITUALS FOR SELF AND OTHERS
10. GO TO A CEREMONY OR HOLD A PERSONAL MOMENT OF PRAYER IN YOUR HOME
11. PAY ATTENTION TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE SUN
12. LIGHT A FIRE
13. MAKE OFFERINGS
14. SET INTENTIONS FOR THE LONGER DAYS AHEAD
We know and our ancestors knew that in order to show up for our communities as good relatives and as energized agents of change, we have to be grounded and strong.
So often when I encounter another human, I experience them looking, but when we actually near each other they avert their gaze. I wonder why.
Why is it we are sensitive to others visual contacts? I believe it has something to do with fear.
Fear that someone may read something in the glance … fear they may make assumptions of what the facial expressions mean.
As a rule, many people are hyper-sensitive.
Insecurities developed over time create a limited capacity for opening up to the possibilities that others may see something incredible in us … thinking instead they will see all of the ‘wrongs’ we see about ourselves.
It seems apparent many folks do not see how truly special they are.
What each individual has to offer the world is a one-of-a-kind offering. No one does anything exactly the same.
There may be a tendency to mimic that which is loved or admired, appreciated, but the results are not quite the same as the original. This is because each person is unique, only sharing the same ability to create.
Children’s imaginations are so free! They daydream of what they one day will become. That ‘one day’ is here and what we have ‘become’ is a conditioned example of what our surroundings dictated.
There is always choice, and every day – each moment – a new beginning. We can change our minds … all of us.
How deep within do you wish to go? How well do you recall the child you once were? Can you remember the freedom you felt in just being you?
That “you” that is in memory still exists, that part of you that did not have a care in the world is still within you.
It is your base.
If you do not appreciate where life has taken you, reach within.
Begin again.
Free yourself from fear of others perceptions. Do not self-criticize.
You are perfection in motion, and the flow that is you makes the Universe sing.
Dance.
Not everyone will try to strip you of joy …
Perhaps, only those who refuse to look directly into the eyes of another.
In my reflection I saw a beautiful cactus flower growing out the top of my head. There were thorns galore all around it and its petals were a delightful orchid color. (Stay off my crown y’all).
The Night and Twilight were the first lovers, ever.
I am the sea. Obviously there will be shifts in the levels of my depth.
Stop, look, listen to your heart.
To see the Polar “ends” of a thing is an exercise. Seeing it, balancing it, noticing that ALL things have polarity.
The gap seems to be lessening.
The thing that annoys me most is men (and women) who’s goal is to make people either part of the Offensive or Defensive position. I am perturbed even more when it works for a time.
Thank Creator and Father Time for the opportunity to absorb these lessens. To Be Here …
Merging of tones, creating harmony that soothes the mind.
Have you ever thought, “I must be the most complicated person in the world.” Imagine this thought in the minds of ALL you meet.
You are not alone.
Most of us have no way of seeing the emotional and energetic scars of others. The closest we can come is inwardly touching our own, remembering them, and then entertaining the possibility that these same scars may reside inside of others, to a greater or lesser degree.
If we consider our own suffering to be as anothers we might be more inclined to be gentle. Emotional wounds baffle the mind and blind the heart. It can inhibit the capacity to function normally … like drinking and driving … or drinking and some other not so smart thing.
It (the wound) needs to be brought forward into the light, so it can be reconciled, healed, and a new way birthed.
I see hopes and dreams … those that have been, and those yet to be. I see joy and peace. I see comfort and ease. I see that which I am grateful for, the wonders of being, and I surround myself with thought provoking potentials.
I turn off the floor lamp, and i light the morning candles. I stretch, I bend, my body warms. I look around, and am thankful for this day.
What does one do on the last full moon of the year? I decided to go to The Grotto.
I was a little confused as to why they had the children dressed in black for singing their Christmas music. Strange “color” for the festivities.
I sat in the church and wondered about the murals. I had to call a friend and ask who the lady was that Jesus and God we’re crowning. He was shocked I did not know, especially concerning my “age”. He said it was the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, being crowned by Joseph an Jesus. Still doesn’t make much sense to me, but it is beautiful just the same.
There were many murals and statues. These are only a few.
I walked along enjoying the scenery. There were so many lights. I imagine the bill for this display over the month will be outrageous!
I’ve been so oblivious to religion and the whole history of it I wonder if this is why my life has felt like a living hell for much of my experience (and I’m aware that it can alwys be worse, so am grateful for the joys and friendships I’ve been blessed with).
What I do know is the basics, and that the higher ups are pedophiles … and I am confused by them, for how can they be godly and do such things?
I dreamed last night of the drug pushers of my youth. I dreamed they said my car was dangerous to drive, so they took it away. I was ‘stuck’ there. But when I couldn’t get what I wanted, I grabbed my rolling tool chest and hitched a ride back home. My tool chest wouldn’t fit in the car, so I pushed it over onto its side, flipped all of them drug pushers the bird, and hopped in the rear seat of the car for my ride, elsewhere.
It feels as though I’m having a non-religious/religious crisis, and it’s no wonder twilight zone is so near.
Not the pain or the relief. Not the answer or the question. Not the challenge or the victory. The song or the sparrow… Nothing is random.
Whenever something doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, instead of thinking that something went wrong, see it as something that went unexpectedly well, but for reasons that are not yet apparent. Everything plays to your favor.
These days you may receive messages from ‘outside sources’ that say they are watching you, judging you, attempting to instill fear in you. They may be watching your dreams, manipulating them, and even attempting to manipulate your waking moments.
Remember, only antagonists do these things … never those who are of love and of benevolence.
Do what makes you soul sing. If it does not hurt self or others, it is good. Never let someone tell you it is not, and that it shall be judged harshly. Only those who wish to control you will buck at your freedom, and free expressions of joy and love.
We have been aware of those in physical form who do these things. They do not stop once they lose their physical form … they are utilized by the ones who wish for mass chaos in this world.
Fight this interference. This is your life we are talking about … stand firm, tall, and capable …. for you are fully capable of withstanding this distraction.
Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Namo Namo (I bow to the Primal Power), Sarb Shakti, Sarb Shakti, Sarb Shakti (I bow to all encompassing Power and Energy), Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati, Namo Namo (I bow to that which God creates), Kundalini Mata Shakti, Kundalini Mata Shakti, Kundalini Mata Shakti, Namo Namo (I bow to the creative power of the Kundalini, the Divine Mother Power).
“You can only bow to the base-of-all in silence, in non-action. For a moment, leave everything as it is. Release your attention so that it is nowhere in particular. That is true equanimity. The supreme meditation is without definition or limitations. Don’t do anything in particular, or you will obscure this limitless meditation. Leave your thoughts be, without replying to them or following them. They will exhaust by themselves.” ~ Masters of the Zhang Zhung Nyengyud of Bonpo Dzogchen
Have you ever toyed with the idea of what ought to be done for the minds and hearts of man in order to bring blessing to this world?
I have. And it always seems that somewhere along the line there is a ‘thing’ that over-steps free will, even if the best of intentions are meant.
I took my bath and came out to the living room. The lighting is dim. I decide to see what comes out, written onto paper I can barely see.
“The bell tolled six. (Gotta start somewhere). An alarm went off in her head.
The Great One has arrived.
He looks upon the earth and sees the destruction, near bankrupt is the planet. He taps in to the inner minds of those who dwell here.
He hears madness. Anger, thoughts of harming self, others and the animals … whoa, the animals … Pain and blame …
As communication attempts are made, the anger multiplies, as does all else …after all … the Human is a walking antennae. When activated all channels amplify.
What dwells within the heart is known.
This appears to be an enormous mess.
Lo and behold, through the plethora of crap, a light shines, two lights, three, and more as minds and hearts begin to align, the globe over.
Soon, the ‘stories’ can be heard for what they are, chaos calming ever so slightly.
Prolonged pain … perpetuated generation after generation. People had forgotten who they are. Only a sliver of a glimmer of recognition shows up for them, occasionally.
As they find each other, He sees their glow grow. Empathy builds between people, between cultures, between countries.
He adds to their humanness. An inner trigger which reminds them when they are about to cause harm, to self, or others.
This trigger is invisible for it is called Compassion and it resides in every heart. The blackness which had been covering it has been lifted, the heart sanitized from its filth.
The beating of this newness within the human body is strong. The heart energy of it glows and connects straight and true to the Great One, and each other … a ‘true’ World Wide Web.
He blesses us with a new heart and an opportunity to clean up the damages we’ve done while ‘sleeping’, disconnected from Care.
He provides us with a way to purify and cleanse the earths polluted waters and soil.
This creation He sees has potential.
He sets to work building a black cube where He sends the darkest of energies from within the hearts of people. These energetic tendrils, the twining snakelike substance are sealed inside this cube for a time, while they too, undergo a purification, a cleansing, renewing their original light bearing ability.
Forgiveness is given, and also well received. The light now allows them to see each other’s hearts, their truest compassion for each other and all sentient beings.”
Fantasy building scenarios which are pleasing to the mind and the idea of growing capacities for love and connection in its purest form is a great way to spend the evening.
opensenseme 