Today we welcome in the depths of winter and experience the longest night and the shortest day of the year. It’s a time for diving inwards and celebrating in a quiet way. But what is the best way to celebrate?
No. The mall is not the answer (at least not for me).
For starters, I suggest a technology fast. Today or tomorrow, take a day off from your computer (but only after finishing this article, of course! HaHa!)
Forget the cell phone, and all non-essential appliances. If you want to go all-out, consider using candles instead of your electricity.
Richard Heinberg, author of Celebrate the Solstice, also suggests you might write letters to loved ones. Imagine the joy of receiving something other than a bill in the mail!
You may want to spontaneously get together with friends for a simple potluck meal or a bonfire, singing songs and sharing highlights of 2013.
If you are in a festive mood, a formal Solstice Celebration is always a highlight for me. Especially if you, like me, don’t have too many holiday parties to attend this year (I think I only got one invite. Was it something I said?) There are many Reclaiming communities around the world that offer lovely solstice rituals, or you may even find something on Craigslist in your local area.
Of course, for those living in Northern California within striking distance of Berkeley, you are welcome at our own event (see the posting on the left).
But whether you are alone or with others, I really encourage you to set aside some time for reflection.
This reflection can be done alone with a journal, with a loved one, or with a circle of friends. Explore what most touched you in the past year. What most stretched you? What did you learn and how did you grow? What will you do differently in the future? What are your top priorities for the New Year?
And when you’ve done all the deeper stuff, don’t forget to think about what Facebook pictures you definitely need to untag so that you will NOT be associated with those horrible images taken when you weren’t expecting it.
And of course, don’t forget to get a really LOOOONG sleep and turn off that alarm clock.
Your body will thank you.
But more importantly, I will feel much less guilty about how much I am sleeping these days 😉 !!
