Today is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. I’m sending out a mid-week missive to mark this moment in time when subtle shifts happen, and light begins to lengthen!
“After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn. There is a rejoicing that, even in the darkest time, the sun is not vanquished. As of tomorrow, the days begin to get longer as the light of day grows. While the gentle winter sun slowly opens its eyes, let us all bring more light and compassion into the world. ”
― Dacha Avelin
I’ve been listening to The Longest Night of the Year by Mary Chapin Carpenter all morning. I hope you’ll take a moment this evening to listen with the ears of your heart open-a sort of Audio Divina (sacred listening).
Listen once or twice and see if a word or phrase catches your attention. The lyrics are below the video. I’ve enjoyed listening to this with my eyes closed.
Make a vow when Solstice comes:
To find the Light in everyone
Mary Chapin Carpenter
"The Longest Night Of The Year"
By: Mary Chapin Carpenter
They say that spring will come again
No one knows exactly when.
Still the sun's a long lost friend
On the longest night of the year.
We stare into the firelight
While December beats outside
Where the darkest hearts reside
On the longest night of the year
So keep me safe and hold me tight
Let the candle burn all night
Tomorrow welcome back the night
It was longest night of the year
I used to think the world was small
Bright and shining like a ball
Seems I don't know much at all
On the longest night of the year
We press our faces to the glass
And see our little lives go past
Wave to shadows that we cast
On the longest night of the year
So keep me safe and hold me tight,
Let the candle burn all night,
Tomorrow welcome back the light.
'Twas the longest night of the year
Make a vow when Solstice comes:
To find the Light in everyone
Keep the faith and bang the drum
On the longest night of the year
So keep me safe and hold me tight,
Let the candle burn all night,
Tomorrow welcome back the light.
'Twas the longest night of the year
So keep me safe and hold me tight,
Let the candle burn all night,
Tomorrow welcome back the light.
After the longest night of the year
You might prefer to experiment with Visio Divina.
To practice Visio Divina, choose one of the images below, find your own, or gaze out your window and use the audio to guide your gazing and pondering. I was led in a Visio Divina practice a few weeks ago, and it was such a powerful experience. I hope in the coming days, you’ll find a moment to pause with a photo and see what invitation it might hold for you!
Guided Visio Divina
Visio Divina Images: Winter Solstice
I’ve heard someone say the reason Christmas is on December 25 is it’s the first day after the Solstice that the human eye can detect the lengthening of days-the return of the light! I’m unsure if it’s true, but the symbolism is beautiful.
Regardless of how you mark the day, I hope you will pause to notice the darkness and returning light.
A Winter Solstice Blessing:
As light-radiance returns, slowly, slowly may the light reach deeply into your soul. May the slow unfurling of light remind you that change comes gently and softly. May you savor the process.
“May the light illuminate your hearts and shine in your life every day of the year. May everlasting peace be yours and upon our Earth.”
― Eileen Anglin