We are so close to the shortest day/longest night of the year. But let’s be real – we are already feeling it. It’s dark when we wake up in the morning and dark again by late afternoon. So when Solstice arrives, it won’t feel that much different. It will be dark. And it will continue to be dark for weeks after. We can’t stop it so how can we make it work for us?
I’m reading the book Wintering, The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May with the FUS/HumanistsMN Mental Health Awareness Team book club. Through it I’m learning the power of slowing down during dark times whether that is painful life experiences or the actual dark of winter.
Speaking for myself, my daily life doesn’t change much from summer to winter no matter what is going on in my life. When I was working, I continued to work the same amount of hours, had the same number of night meetings, had the same obligations on the weekends (actually more as the holidays always add more activities to the schedule). The only difference is that I didn’t work in my garden in winter but I made up for that by going to the gym at least five days a week. Now that I’m retired I find I’m following the same pattern – just with less obligations overall.
So how can I slow down this winter? By creating the intention to slow down and finding the time for reflection and restoration. Not stopping everything but finding those times that I now mindlessly fill with social media or TV and using that time more productively with activities that restore me. Like reading, spending time with friends, taking a class, sketching, meditating, walking outside a couple of days a week, snowshoeing, creating a cozy space in my home – you know, creating that “hygge” way of being.
That’s the intention I’m creating for myself.
What intentions are you creating for yourself? Are there even a couple of minutes in your day where you could spend time in restorative activities? Or engage in activities that celebrate the season?
One of the activities I am looking forward to continuing this winter is the Midwinter Revels Solstice Celebration. I love this celebration of the season and of the community we all share. Being with people I care about and having fun is one of the most restorative things I can do.
I hope you’ll join us.
Winter Solstice Celebrations
Friday, December 19, 6:00 pm dinner (ticket required); Midwinter Revels program at 7:30 pm (free)
Saturday, December 20, 5:00 pm dinner (ticket required); Midwinter Revels program at 6:30 pm (free)
Early Bird Adult Price – $25 – through Thursday, December 11th. ($30 after that)
Kids through grade 12 are FREE
Buy your tickets NOW!
- Buy in person at FUS on December 7 & 14, before & after Sunday assembly.
- Call the FUS office at (612) 377-6608
Event details will be posted in our next blog – coming soon!