DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2024
- Assia Richardson
- Dec 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Today marks the December Solstice, a pivotal moment in our journey around the Sun. It’s when Earth’s tilt leans us farthest from or closest to the Sun, welcoming in the first day of Winter or Summer depending on where you are. In this newsletter, I’m sharing simple ways to align with the new season and a glimpse into how I’m stepping into my Winter. For me, it’s all about alignment—creative, personal, and spiritual. Just as the Earth finds balance in its orbit, I’m seeking seasonal guidance to stay aligned on my journey.
First let's define Solstice: Solcomes from the Latin word Sun and Stit comes from the Latin stand still. And yes, quite literally the Sun appears to stand still during the Solstice because the Earth’s tilt stops before changing direction. The Solstice happens twice a year, and is when the Sun’s rays reach North (Tropic of Cancer) or South (Tropic of Capricorn) of the Equator. During the December Solstice the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn causing the shortest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere aka Winter, and the longest daylight hours in the Southern Hemisphere aka Summer. Let’s keep the word transformationin mind.
❄️SHIFTING INTO WINTER❄️
First, I hope we used our Fall as a time to gather our thoughts and lean into change. If we didn’t, well Winter is here now so all will be confronted, prepared or not.
Winter is a time for hibernationbecause everything is going dormant, the Sun will be out less, the plants will die, and life will be more still – but just because we’re hibernating doesn’t mean we’re not transforming. While the outside world simmers down, we should take this as an opportunity to pourmore into ourselves without the distractions/interruptions. For these next 89 days (until Spring) we getto decide and define what our transformation will be.
My transformation will be getting out of my head and into my body. My Fall was heavy on the change and acceptance, and I’ve just been in my head about a lot. I’ve kinda hit a breaking point and just want to stop all the ruminating on everysingle thing. For me this looks like unwavering dedicated time to activities that keep my body moving. Not for the sake of avoidance, but for clarity. Whenmy body is a little exhausted, I think better, I sleep better, I eat better, I focus better, and I just feel better. So these will be my transformative tasks:
-Hiking twice a week
-Bikram Yoga once a week
-Pilates every other week
-Dancing once a month
For my Winter family – how are we transforming while the world around us sleeps? What can we pour into without distractions?
☀️SHIFTING INTO SUMMER☀️
First, I hope we used our Spring to refresh our minds, find new perspectives and set new intentions. If we didn’t, well Summer is here now so all will be confronted, refreshed or not.
Summer is a time for expansion because everything is being nourished by the Sun. The days will be long, the plants will be flourishing, and life will be bursting with energy – so how can we jump on the Earth’s bandwagon and use her energy to transform?
Maybe we can first look to our Spring and ask how have we shifted, then put energy into those new perspectives or new intentions. What bubbles up when we ask ourselves “what’s next?” For these next 89 days (until Fall) we get to decide and define what our transformation will be.
We’re at the end of 2024 but I urge us to not set New Year Resolutions that we won’t maintain, but to instead think deeply about our lives and what we desire, and listen to our inner selves. We can ask ourselves where are we going? Then ask why we’re going there? The end of something always means there’s a new beginning happening. So what are we saying goodbye to and what are wewelcoming in?
Happy New Year!
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