Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice . . .

It is the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

The Holiday season is upon us . . .
Merriment and festive spirits are in the air

It is a good time to come down into our souls and gather with family and friends

But darker days, and mixed-feelings come on strong
that are not always easy to make friends with

In your inner conversations with yourself, try to be gentle on yourself . . .
It is a gift to have a forgiving attitude about your humanity and imperfections –
(and the humanity and imperfections of others)

Being in that space calms down self-inflicted suffering!

Being present with yourself and others
is a far greater gift than getting sucked in to the consumerist
drive to outdo each other with manic striving to buy the perfect gifts

Notice how shopping and work are can easily
become culturally sanctioned addictions

Might as well hit the pause button, take a step back, and
take in the spiritual meaning behind this time of year

Allowing yourself to receive love and be compassionate
is a blessing that is shared by all in everyday exchanges

Meditate on healthy giving and receiving during this time of year especially
Celebrate the rising light and waning dark as it unfolds on Nature’s cycle

There will be a Full Wolf Moon on the first day of the Western New Year
May we discover new tracks into a new world

See you further along the trails,

Ari