Winter Solstice activities for the solitary practitioner

It's at our doorstep folks: the date many have been discussing for many many moons.  The famed December 21, 2012 Winter Solstice heralding the end of the world for some, and the beginning of a new era for others.  If nothing else, it does mark the beginning of a new season ;)

If you are reading this blog, I'm sure that like me you intend to lead a more spiritual life.  One of best way to feel connected to Spirit and to all Nature and God's Creation is to mark the passing of the seasons.  It brings us in the "now" moment and is a great opportunity to offer thanks for all that we have while formulating and releasing wishes for more joy and abundance.  Like me, you may also feel a bit alone in celebrating an old pagan tradition when many folks around you might ask, "What is the winter solstice?"  (Sometimes, I forget I have been accumulating information on the Lightworker's Way for many years - before I knew there was such a path - and I get taken aback by such questions which have been elementary to me since my early childhood... *giggle*).

Here are a few activities you can do over the next few days to celebrate the Winter Solstice.  These are activities you can do on your own, with families or a group of like-minded friends.  Note that it is not the grandeur of the gesture that is important; it is the intention you hold in your heart.   Above all, have fun with these activities.  Yule time is meant to be merry and joyful, bringing mirth and light in the darkest of the nights.

1. Greet Winter:  go outside or at least look out the window and in your heart say hello to the new season.  Think of the joys of Winter and the gifts this season has in store - that perfect snowflake falling on your mitten, the crunch of snow under your boot, the stillness in the air.  Note how things feel different outside.  I am always amazed at how winter sounds different than other season, a little bit more muffled.  Remember the joys of your youth, playing in the snow.  Say a heartfelt hello to winter, and smile.
2. Walk in Nature:  Dress comfortably for the new season, and find a spot of Nature for a walk.  Even in the heart of a city you can find a place where Nature speaks to you.  Think of the animals which have migrated for the season.  Notice the trees, the animal tracks, the air on your skin.  Gather some sticks, moss, pinecones and evergreen boughs (please don't cut from trees and gather what's on the ground).  Use these elements to craft a yule log or yule decoration.  Stuff old opened pine cones with peanut butter or sunflower grease and roll in black sunflower seeds.  Hang these in the woods or your balcony.  The squirrels and birds will be thankful.  
3. Meditate:   Take a few minutes to sit quietly, and breathe from your belly.  From your heart centre, send Love and Light to your whole body, to your family, your home, your town...  the entire world.  Visualize the Light pouring from your heart and cocooning the Earth.  Feel the Peace.  Be Peace.  
4. Talk about the Solstice to your children, family and friends.  Do they realize that Winter is officially here?  What does the change of season mean to you?  What are your fears, their fears?  What are your hopes, their hopes?  
5. Journal:  If this is the end of the world as you know it, what do you leave behind?  What lessons have you learned (been there, done that, not repeating the pattern anymore)?  What do you want to grow in yourself?  In the dawn of this new era, what are the opportunities and synchronous events you would like to experience?  What are your hopes and dreams?
6. Read:   There are so many great references that can help you understand the meaning of the Solstice at a deeper level.  Many stories are appropriate for children too, so go ahead and share!  For instance, there's the story of Demeter and Persephone, legends of Old Man Winter, songs and sonnets for the Goddess or Mother Nature in her wintry garments.  The point of most of these tales is that the earth is now sleeping, yet bears the promised fruit or alternatively, that the sun-god is sleeping but will be born soon again and will fertilize the earth for the new crops come  Spring.  In the Bible, the gospel of Matthew gives a good description of Jesus's birth - the son of God bringing Light and Love on this earth.  (It's no coincidence that Jesus' birth is set to be around the solstice, as this celebration replaced pagan traditions...)
7. Gather friends and family and sing, dance, laugh!  The winter is long enough; it's time to have fun and be merry.

I have the great honour and privilege this year to be hosting my first Solstice Celebration.  This has been in my heart for a very long time, and I'm so grateful that my sister a few good friends will join me in this night-long celebration.  With all the work we've been doing individually and collectively over the past few years, we will be focusing on the concept of the dark night of the soul on this longest night of the year, but moving through it and celebrating at dawn with a renewed sense of self and renewed joy.  We will be up all night with myriad activities helping us grow further on our journey.  I am looking forward to this event, and I hope to make it an annual celebration!

Enjoy the new season.  Much Love and Light to you all, and many blessings too so you may feel within you a renewed sense of self and joyful divine purpose.