12 Rituals To Honor the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice which falls on December 21, 2020 in the North Hemisphere, marks the shortest and darkest day fo the year.
For many of us, December can be a rather demanding and stressful time of year of running around, holiday gatherings, and wrapping up the year-end. All of this doing and stress can leave us feeling tired and depleted both mentally and physically. On top of that, this year is looking extra different given the challenges of the pandemic.
Aligning yourself with the earth's natural rhythms is a powerful way to honor the cycles of life. Honoring the seasons helps you become aware of how all things are connected, and allow you to become aware of the energy currents at play in each season, in each cycle, in each moment. In turn, this deeper awareness is a powerful way to help you ride the waves and cycles of life, and the seasons of your soul.
The winter solstice is a time to celebrate rebirth of the sun and a return to innocence. This season represents a perfect time to hit the pause button, slow down, and look inward to reflect and renew. There's a reason why we tend to feel less energized and begin to crave comfort and hibernation.
You can embrace the winter season this year by taking extra effort to slow down and honor the change in seasons – the darker and colder days.
For many of us, it may be challenging to take time out and unplug without feeling guilty, selfish, or unproductive. However, even just carving out the space and setting just a few minutes a day for peace and quiet can go a long way to nourish your body, mind and soul.
12 winter solstice rituals:
Take an Epsom salt bath
Meditate
Curl up on the couch with a comfy blanket
Take a nap
Go for a leisurely walk
Watch a movie
Sit by the fireplace
Sip on a warm mug of herbal tea, this cup of calm yogi tea is one of my favorites :)
Practice yin or restorative yoga
Light some beeswax candles or burn some sage
Do something that you find nourishing + nurturing – puzzles, games, reading, listening to music, etc
Reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new year
Lastly, despite the business of the holiday season, remind yourself that taking time out regularly for self-care gives the body and mind a chance to reset, which can lead to more productivity and improved well-being in the long run.