WEEK 51.2 (DEC 20 – DEC 26) THE TINTURE OF TIME
Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, symbolizes the rebirth of light and the return of the sun. At its core, the Winter Solstice embodies a moment of transition — a shift from darkness to light.
Because winter solstice has the least hours of sunlight, some people may experience melancholy and sadness, primarily due to a drop in serotonin levels. Some people find it harder than others to cope with the winter blues they are facing. Some people face that “dark night of the soul.”
Serotonin is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire. Serotonin levels that are too low or too high can cause physical and psychological health problems.
Winter Solstice Blessing
May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken and true, Brings faith to your soul and well-being to you. Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence find rest.
The Winter Solstice is a perfect time for a puja in our souls. Svāhā is a cry which roughly translates to “Blessed be this offering! Hail!” It is repeated during a puja with an offering of rice or bird seed, tossed into the fire pit, while you think of a bad habit you would like to get rid of. Your practice can be an offering. We can say to ourselves each salutation… svaha and think of something bad in you life you would like to give up.
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” — William E. Vaughan
“As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes there are things in our lives that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes the changes we don’t want are the changes we need to grow. And sometimes walking away is a step forward.” —Unknown
“Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.” —Jonathan Lockwood Huie
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” —J.P. Morgan
“New year—a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” —Alex Morritt
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start. Your adaptability and attitude determine your future.” – David Scott
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coehlo
“The New Year is a painting not yet painted; a path not yet stepped on; a wing not yet taken off! Things haven’t happened as yet! Before the clock strikes twelve, remember that you are blessed with the ability to reshape your life!” ―Mehmet Murat ildan
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” –Plato
“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake.” —Francis Bacon Sr.
“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” —Shauna Niequist
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” —Albert Einstein
I have fought a thousand battles, but I am still standing. I have cried a thousand tears, but I am still smiling. I have been broken, betrayed, abandoned, rejected, but I am still walking proud.
“Maturity is learning to walk away from people and situations that threaten your peace of mind, self-respect, values, morals or self-worth.”
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
Be strong when you feel weak, brave when you are scared and be humble when you are victorious.