Here we are right in the midst of them again: the 'Holidays'.By Christian de la Huerta |
For many, this is a time for joy and celebration, while for others -- who perhaps feel societal pressure to be joyful and celebrate, yet that is incongruent with their natural rhythms -- it can be a time for alienation. Many of us find ourselves getting so lost in the whirlwind of shopping or holiday gatherings that the meaning of this time in our lives loses its luster, and becomes more of a set of "gotta-dos" than either a joyful expression of family and community or a time for conscious introspection.
When we think about it, the natural cycles of our world guide us to go within at this time of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere at least, much of nature closes down and goes into dormancy or hibernation. Food is less available, so economizing energy becomes important. Days are shorter and there is less light. Seemingly then, the natural cycles support introspection and longer periods of rest.
Yet in our culture there is widely felt pressure to be happy, to act exuberantly extroverted and ready to party at a moment's notice. In a way, the artificially-induced, commercially-fueled and outwardly-frenzied focus of the season is thus a bit unnatural and out of tune with the larger world around us.
Indigenous people generally tend to be much more synched in with the cycles of nature than we "modern" types. They appreciate the deeper meaning of the Winter Solstice. According to Daniel Giamario of ShamanicAstrology.com, the Winter Solstice represents "the time of the greatest density, the deepest descent of spirit into matter, the longest night, and then the return, or rebirth, of the Sun. It is the turning of the year."
Historically, people celebrated the Winter Solstice as a return of light and of longer days. The Hopi, for example, celebrate the Soyal on December 21st, the shortest day of the year. A time for purification, the ritual's purpose is to ceremonially bring the Sun back from its long winter sleep.
Indeed, the origins of the December holy days can be found in these ancient rituals which honor the annual returning of light into the world.
We at Revolutionary Wisdom see the name of our organization particularly embodied in this time of year. It is the time of the end and the beginning of the annual revolution of life, and -- coupled with wisdom -- it offers us all a time to take ourselves into our next evolution and expression of our human spirit.
So, no matter which tradition(s) you honor or how you celebrate the holidays, make sure you take at least some time to go within.
Here are a few suggestions or reminders:
- Take time to connect to yourself, and others.
- You have a choice as to how and when you celebrate. One of those choices can be to set yourself free from commercially-driven season gimmicks, and the resulting buying frenzy.
- More families and groups of friends are engaging in gift exchange or "Kris Kringle" programs. These can be lots of fun and create opportunities for community, as well as save you time and money.
- Make the holiday season work for you. You're the one in charge of your life.
- Please take care of the body. Finding balance IS possible.
- Give the gift of time; give of yourself. If you're one for whom the holidays trigger feelings of loneliness and depression, consider doing service at a local church, children's hospital, or retirement community. There is absolutely no need to be alone if that is an issue. It may feel difficult to reach out, but you will be glad you did.
- Take some time to retreat. One of the reasons our New Year's retreat is our most popular is that it's an ideal time to take stock of our lives and evaluate where we are, to complete the year and set direction and intention for the new one.
And may 2009 be filled with joy, adventure and opportunities for graceful growth!
