Today is the Winter Solstice. Celebrated by cultures across the globe for more than 6,000 years, it signifies the return of light and with it, life. Winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun is at its lowest arc in the sky. The word solstice is derived from the Latin word solstitium—sol meaning sun and –stitium meaning stoppage. One ancient definition of solstice is “standing still sun.” This is a sacred, powerful day to clear the past and set a strong intention for the future. A day to focus on everything you wish to create and manifest in your life.
This evening in my yoga class I will be doing a few gentle Solstice rituals with my students to mark the event.
Letting go of the past year 2016
This is important in order for us to create space for all that we wish to want for ourselves for a brighter future. Take some time to reflect on the hardest moments and situations of the past year and then write down everything negative that happened. Then find a way to burn this paper, in a fireplace or simply outside somewhere letting all of it go with a sense gratitude for all of the lessons you received (however difficult) saying Goodbye to 2016 and letting it go, knowing that it is now setting you free from all the past. Burn the paper while visualizing your troubles disappearing in the smoke and setting you free.
Healing with Essential Oils
For many years now I have used essential oils to help me feel calm, energised or to simply recover from colds and other infections. My children used to love me giving them a massage when they were unwell.
Each day I burn a different oil while I am working at my desk. Today I am burning Eucalyptus, a deeply healing and cleansing oil and one for releasing the past as well. Here are some others to choose from if you are letting go of old relationships. Allow yourself 20 minutes of relaxation today, light some candles, take a soothing bath and add your favourite essential oils or bath salts. You deserve it. Here are some other oils to choose from to help heal emotions.
Creating the New for 2017
A little like The Passion Test process write down up to 10 things in your life that you wish to create on a sheet of paper. Put them all down in the present tense as if you already have them in your life. For example :
- I am feeling healthy and fit
- I love my work and feel valued and appreciated
- I enjoy quality time with my loved ones
Visualise yourself living this life whilst you relax in the bath or practising a short breathing or mediation exercise.
Enjoy your day and whatever you do keep a smile on your face. Happy Winter Solstice and may your dreams and wishes be fulfilled.
