Why Does the Winter Solstice Matter?

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, but it's more than just a date on a calendar. It's a time to turn and reflect, a moment to reconnect with yourself.

For hundreds of years, the solstice has been considered a moment when the darkness reaches its zenith and the light begins its gradual return. It's a potent reminder that stillness is not stagnation—it's a stage in the cycle. As the earth slumbers in winter, we also need time to stop, reflect, and release to move forward.

The Power of Stillness

In a world that encourages us to do more and move faster, the solstice beckons us to stop, to respect the darkness without making a mad scramble to fill it. For when you sit still—meditating, in a slow yoga flow, just with your breath—you make room for insight and regeneration.

Consider it in these terms: seeds remain dormant during the winter months before they pop up in the spring. In the quiet places, unseen, full of potential, is where the growth starts.

Celebrate the Solstice in Three Ways

1. Take Stock of the Year Behind You

So: What am I willing to release? What do I want to carry forward? Write it, speak it, or just be with it.

2. Embrace the Dark

Burn a candle and be still. Pay attention to what arises as you slow down—thoughts, feelings, even discomfort. The practice is not about fighting it but being with it.

3. Intention Setting for the Return of the Light

Now that the days are getting longer, what do you want to grow in yourself and your life? What brings you light? What directions will you devote your energy to in the coming months?

The Reminder of the Solstice

The Winter Solstice reminds us that there is power in slowing down and space in the darkness. It's an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for what's to come.

Pause. Breathe. Trust the cycle. The light always returns.