Deep, centering breath…
As we approach the end of December, we approach many magical days. The beginning of Winter Break, the Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year’s Day.
We will have time to rest, to turn inward, to gather with family and friends.
Tomorrow {December 21} marks the Winter Solstice. Though the days are still cold, we welcome the return of the light. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), for, from our perspective on earth, the sun briefly rests, in order to shift directions.
photo credit: Nomadic Lass via photopin cc
“For contemporary people, solstices — summer or winter — are a chance to still ourselves inside, to behold the glory of the cosmos, and to take a breath with the Sacred.”
T. Thorn Coyle
Last week, I shared with you my love of all things Christmas, and this includes Christmas songs. For this holiday meditation, I’m sharing some of my favorites with you.
Silent Night
As we approach the solstice and the upcoming holidays, I invite you to take time for stillness and silence.
Silent night, holy nightAll is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Oh Holy Night
Tonight will mark the longest night. As we change direction and welcome the lengthening of the daylight hours, I invite you to celebrate our opportunities for renewal in the new year.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth….
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn… O night divine, when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Hallelujah
I invite you to honor all beings for their innate goodness, however they may celebrate, or not celebrate, these days. As Leonard Cohen reminds us, there are many different kinds of Hallelujahs.
You say I took the name in vainI don’t even know the name
But if I did, well, really, what’s it to you?
There’s a blaze of light in every word
It doesn’t matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Keep Christmas With You {All Through The Year}
Finally, I invite you to take this season’s spirit of wonder, joy, and kindness into the New Year.
Christmas means the spirit of givingPeace and joy to you,
The goodness of loving,
The gladness of living;
These are Christmas too….
These precious moments,
Hold them very dear
And keep Christmas with you
All through the year.
I wish you and your family many precious moments and a joyous holiday! I’ll be back the week after Christmas!
Namaste.
Sarah
- A Mindful Approach to New Year’s Resolutions - January 13, 2020
- Just This Next Step - December 16, 2019
- WAIT: A Mindfulness Practice for Waiting in Line - December 9, 2019
