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Season of Light
December 25, 2021
“Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in."
Leonard Cohen
For so many reasons, I enjoy the current season that is a celebration of light. As a child I associated this time of year with all the magic of Christmas: festive decorations, visits with favorite relatives, candlelight church services, Dad’s ad-libbing of “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” that would have everyone rolling on the floor in laughter, staying up late in the quiet to admire the tree’s lights, and believing that wishes could come true because mine often did.
As an adult, I still enjoy making Christmas magic with my loved ones. My celebrations are even more meaningful now because I have integrated into my personal practices the wisdom teachings of spiritual traditions from around the world.
While each of the season’s “holy days” has a unique story of origin, a common theme is light, especially the hope that sunlight would continue to warm and regenerate the earth in a new cycle of life after the winter solstice. No wonder people in ancient cultures watched the skies and lived in accord with the seasons!
In modern western societies, most people take for granted that the sun and earth will continue in their orbits, yet the celebrations still center around light – especially the light and warmth that come from a loving family, a comfortable home, good friends, and a reliable paycheck.
For those who have experienced some kind of spiritual awakening, the awareness and appreciation at this time of year may focus even more on inner light: inspiring acts of good will or generosity; igniting a search for knowledge, truth, or answers; prompting one to do the inner work of lightening up, letting go, forgiving, or making amends.
Reflecting on the light
No matter how busy I may be during the holidays, from an energetic perspective the change of seasons from fall to winter is ideal for inner reflection. So each year I carve out a few days between the Winter Solstice and the New Year for a spiritual retreat. My retreats include a lot of journaling and long walks in nature. Some years I am inspired to make a vision board to support my intentions, or do a tarot card spread for additional insights on the year ahead.
If this idea appeals to you, here are some good questions on which you may want to reflect:
- For what am I grateful?
- Is there anything that I need to heal?
- How have I grown in the past year?
- What knowledge or skills do I want to gain in the coming year?
- How do I want to be of service to others?
- What would it be like to... _____ (make a big change I’ve been considering, develop a pet project, start a new business, embark on some new journey)?
- How can I integrate positive new habits into my everyday activities?
This year it feels especially important that I listen to the wisdom of my higher soul, and so I say, “Welcome, Winter!” I will settle into that holy space, and tap into the mysterious well-of-knowing. I will ring the bell that still can ring and watch as the light comes in.
Letting the light in
If you want to learn ways to "let the light in" for yourself, I can suggest our signature series, Spirit Speaks: Exploring the World of Spirit Communication. In Level 1, you'll learn how to access the inspiration and wisdom of Spirit, and explore your natural intuitive, psychic, and mediumistic abilities (everyone has them!) through fun and interactive exercises while in a comfortable and encouraging setting.
Or join me for Every Day Light, a unique program of self-discovery and growth in which you'll explore the boundless possibilities of fulfilling your soul's plan in this lifetime. Each month focuses on an integral area of life - relationships, finances, health, occupation, home environment, personal development, community, and more - and includes both a main session and a follow-up circle.