As my last post was about the darkness, it only seems fair to talk about the light for this one. On December 21st, the solstice strikes. The northern hemisphere will experience its longest night for 2024 and the light will begin to return to our days, if creeplingly so.
Even though the last month had many on their knees, there’s something about the potential of longer, brighter days to cheer us onward. And now that the season of lights is upon us, it’s hard not to be touched by delightful innocence and wise reflection. While things to do are abundant and schedules are tight, the energy tends to be joyous and electric, even if harried and hectic.
And there is still permission to pause and recalibrate. I find the pockets of time when I wake up before dawn and let my senses open, slowly. In the dark, I make my decaf coffee, light my insect repellent coils (thank you dengue), and sit on our porch with the calming strum of the coqui frogs playing through the trees and the steady starlight poking holes into the night sky. As stewed nuance finds form, I watch assumed outlines turn vivid and find my footing for the day.
A reversed undressing, where earth and sky find their resonance, is a daily becoming. Half witness, half participant, I turn myself over to the light, surrendering between the subtle and sublime. I can’t help but feel a holy connectedness to the all and my happiness. I put my lists aside and feel the presence of grace swim throughout my being, the gratitude and deliverance, the connection and solitude, the intention and honesty.
Humbled, I zoom in and out on the beauty of my life, holding awe for the big and the minute. With the dawning I celebrate what is here now and consider what may be missing and urging me forward. And as I pull up to 50 next month, this season of illumination feels both loaded and fantastic. Like twirling a loop of string around my fingers to make a Jacob’s Ladder, there is focus and lightheartedness. The counting of blessings and the setting of the course.
While the goals take shape and the appreciation runs deep, what hits me most as we crest this day of anchored darkness is to remember the light within. The glow that needs to be stoked, nurtured, listened to and embraced. And if I can claim one practice for the year ahead, I must trust my own guiding light, claim its virtuosity and share it reverently.
May your solstice be an opportunity to feel into your light and shine on.
Soulfully yours, St. Sunshine
One of my favorite posts you've written. So eloquent and visual. Deep and fulfilling, just the the light you mention approaching. Thank you for sharing your inner beauty! x