12.21.12 The Winter Solstice

I have been away from this blog for a year. 4 seasons of a very difficult and at the same time a quite joyous year. More about this year in other posts but for now... Be Here Now. Today.

It is The Winter Solstice, the longest night in the northern hemisphere. Here at my hOMe in the Pacific Northwest the sunrise was at 7:56, it will set at 4:21. What opportunity does the darkness in the wheel of the year bring? Silence, stillness... The wisdom of uncertainty inherent to the night. Winter is the pause after the harvest and die back of Fall and before the new growth of Spring. 

This is a powerful time to release anything lingering as dead wood in our lives. Let go that which does not serve us. But it can be a difficult dance. 

In my neighborhood is a long row of beautiful Maple trees. They have the most brilliant beautiful colors in the Fall. Trees are my guru's... They teach me so much. The last two days arborists have been trimming them way back. Then they grind the branches in a chipper. It is close enough that I can hear the chipping. It's been bothering me. And no it is not 'Fargo' trauma (one of my favorite movies ;) I keep wanting to go to the men doing it and ask 'Do you know what you are doing'? Hows that for desire for control?! Oh Leonie, you crack me up!

I know the trees will be healthier. I know that now, at this season of stillness, it is the best time to do this. I know that I love 'chips', they make wonderful mulch to protect and nurture new growth. So a bit ago on this Winter Solstice morning, I stood below them. And looked up at the potential. The powerful energy that will rise from the roots and seek the newly bare places for the growth to flourish in the Spring. 

And I silently thanked them for the discomfort of watching & hearing the chipper. It helped me to ask the questions: 
What is the dead wood of my life?
Why do I cling to what no linger serves me?
Why do I avoid the discomfort of cutting it loose?
What new growth is sleeping deep in my roots... Waiting for the light and warmth of Spring?

It is a powerful time of transformation. Our planet is full of the tearing sounds of the chippers. Release that which no longer serves you. Choose where to place the mulch. Tend your roots. 

Sending Blessings of Peace and the spark of Passion deep in your roots as we once again turn toward the sun. Light is returning!