Time of Renewal - Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Accordingly, many will see less sunlight today than any day of the year.
 
The lack of light and freezing cold denote long dreary months of winter ahead for many.
 
Yet the winter solstice signifies a time for quiet renewal and self-reflection. Similar to animals that hibernate, if we align and make peace with the season, slow our pace, and retreat within perhaps it can allow us much needed rest and rejuvenation. 

Go within and listen to your mind and body. Perhaps dive into a long-awaited project or cozy up with an interesting book.  Cultivate your passion for a new hobby. Create comforting soups and foods that warm the inner body and soul.  Start your daily meditation practice. Indulge yourself with luxurious home spa treatments.  Connect with lost loved ones.  The list is endless when we begin to think of our “want to do” list.
 
The winter solstice is also about looking inward and letting go of that which we no longer want or need.  It is about forgiveness - ourselves and others. A simple practice for letting go is to brainstorm a list of all that no longer serves you.  As you are writing, state your intention, “my intention is to let go and cleanse away that which no longer serves me.”  You can toss your list into a fire as a symbol of releasing to the universe as you say a prayer or mantra. After, write down all the things that you would like to manifest for the year ahead. Save that piece of paper to look at periodically.
 
Winter is a time of renewal, rebirth and hope.  It allows us to rediscover inner peace in new and different ways. Try to spend a little time each day and go within.  As each new day becomes longer and lighter with the rising of the sun, and with little effort and daily practice you will find yourself lighter and peaceful in the new year.

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The Winter solstice 2019 in the Northern Hemisphere is at 10:19 PM CST Saturday December 21.

https://www.bustle.com/articles/131284-what-is-the-winter-solstice-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it
 
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https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/12/18/21024709/winter-solstice-2019
 
https://www.dictionary.com/e/fall-equinox-solstice/
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