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"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus |
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Greetings Friend,
As you read this email you may have already celebrated the holidays as you know it, as Chanukah or the 12 days of Christmas. I send joy for you and yours in these celebrations.
At 11:49 pm EST Monday night (Dec. 21) here in the Northern Hemisphere, we enjoyed another celebration. We moved into the Winter solstice - in some cultures known as Yule, which morphed into Christmas.It is the shortest day and longest night of the year. This is why many consider this a time of darkness. Yet, this is also the time where we begin to move more into the light, as the days become longer.
I love to celebrate the seasons for what they are in nature and how the ancient wisdom informs my life practically and as metaphor - in any season or any day of the year. |
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Living in a society of continual striving and exertion, we expect instant results and immediate answers. But nature has another idea: everything to its season. Within nature are already all the answers, we just have to be quiet enough to listen and be empty enough to be filled. ~ Neil R. Gumenick |
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Winter is for us, as it is for all of nature, a time for internal work. Time to live into the archetype of the innovator and discover more about yourself through reflection.
Awareness of the winter elements will help you to create abundant reserves within you, of courage and strength of will, and all you need to meet the challenges that may appear in 2016.
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Our ideas and plans cannot manifest with strength if our energy is distracted or drained. |
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Following the path of nature and taking a winter rest, you will emerge into spring ready to rule your world, with restored energy, clear vision, and a greater sense of purpose. |
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The 4 R's to be in harmony Here are four simple suggestions to help you be in harmony with the power of this season, and emerge in spring with clear vision and greater energy. Create more space for the 4 R’s: - Rest
- Reflection
- Relationships
- Ritual (daily)
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Rest More
The holidays are often a busy time. Time to party, enjoy friends and ring in the New Year with joy! Plan to balance this fun with rest during and immediately after the holiday season and allow yourself to fully align with the water energy. Make time for more sleep, earlier bed time and longer periods of quiet and stillness amidst the celebrations.
Reflect With Gratitude
Reflect on all you have become this last year with an attitude of gratitude. No matter what you endured, there is something in it for you and your spirit.
Use the energy of the season to discover more about yourself through reflection: reading literature that “restores the spirit,” being more aware of your senses, paying attention to your dreams. Spend time with positive music and literature to lift and nurture spirt and joy. This is the perfect season to make mediation a daily practice for 5-20 minutes each day or start a gratitude journal.
Renew Relationships
This is about balancing the hoopla with simple, relaxed gatherings with those that nurture heart and soul. Among the busy festivities, be sure to enjoy quiet time with those closest to you. For those of you who spend alot of time on social media, reach out, connect and bring those relationships offline with email, phone or Skype connections.
Daily Ritual or Altar Create a daily ritual or a space that inspired quiet to help you know stillness and peace. Allow it to be part of your work day, in any given moment or hour. Include, e.g.: - water or water features, such as aquariums and fountains
- the color black or any deep, dark tones
- reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and gazing balls
- wavy, free-form or asymmetrical shapes
May these practices help you enjoy your winter and emerge with light and energy.
From my heart to yours. |
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Want a recording of our Winter Solstice Virtual Retreat and meditation? Join us in the Village.Become a member of YINpreneur Village and download this and many other retreats and resources. |
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| Thanks to my daughter, Jessica of chocolatequill.com for the hand-drawn winter solstice icon. |
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Resonate with this wisdom? Know others who may appreciate it? Share with friends using the link below. |
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