Honoring the Longest Night: A Winter Solstice Reflection
Embracing the Darkness
The longest night of the year is upon us. It is a quiet, sacred pause in the rhythm of the seasons, a moment to honor the darkness and prepare to welcome the returning light. For millennia, this night has been celebrated as Yule, a festival rooted in ancient traditions that reminds us of life’s persistence even in the deepest dark.
In the stillness of Solstice, nature invites us to slow down. Trees stand bare, the world is hushed, and the long night encourages reflection and rest. Darkness is not something to fear, but rather a sacred space for turning inward, releasing what no longer serves us, and tending to ‘do not know energy’ (I find this a beautiful face fro dreams to grow).
Across culture, celebrations of Yule were filled with warmth, light, and symbolism. Fires burned in the hearth, evergreens were festively displayed, and communities gathered to share stories. These rituals remind us that even when days are short and cold, light and life always endures.
A Winter Solstice Candle Meditation
Light a candle to honor the returning light. Sit quietly, gaze softly at the flame, and allow its warmth to fill you. As you watch the flame dance:
• Reflect on the darkness you’ve journeyed through this year.
• Recognize your resilience and the lessons it has offered.
• Visualize the light growing slowly, filling your eyes first and spreading throughout your body. Allow the light to expand into your life — bringing clarity, hope, and renewal.
Breathing Practice for Reflection and Renewal
Invite calm and presence with this simple practice:
1. Sit comfortably, with your spine tall and your shoulders relaxed.
2. Inhale deeply for a count of 4, imagining drawing in light and warmth.
3. Hold for a count of 2.
4. Exhale slowly for a count of 6, imagining releasing tension, worry, and what no longer serves you.
5. Repeat for 5–10 rounds, feeling each breath connect you to your inner rhythm and the quiet of the season.
Journaling Prompts for the Solstice
Get cozy and grab a cup of tea! The following prompts are to help you shed the last layer to move forward with clear intention.
• What darkness am I ready to release this year?
• What lessons or wisdom has the past year offered me?
• How can I nurture my inner light in the coming season?
• What intentions or seeds do I wish to plant for growth and renewal?
Welcoming the Light
This Solstice, let us honor the stillness, embrace the sacred darkness, and open our hearts to the promise of new beginnings.