Winter Solstice Journal Prompts

This year, we're gathering for Winter Solstice, and I'm sharing my ritual with you...

My December has been packed with behind-the-scenes creating and planning. I'm managing to stay busy enough to avoid my own inner work.

When I notice that, I turn to journaling and meditation. 

• We celebrate the winter solstice in the days on either side, but actually it is the brief moment when the sun is exactly over the Tropic of Capricorn that the event occurs. 
• It's an astronomical event associated with rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. It encourages us to appreciate stillness, respect the cycles of life, and anticipate the gradual return of more sunshine and warmth. The winter solstice symbolizes hope. 
• Humans have been celebrating the winter solstice forever. Yuletide, Stonehenge, even Christmas trees can be directly traced to winter solstice celebrations. Early Christians who wanted to attract pagans to their faith added Christian meaning to traditional winter solstice rituals and images. 

Do you have questions about the winter solstice, journaling, fire ceremonies or rituals, yoga, or mindful self-reflection? Use the chat function or the comment section below to get in touch. 

Why journal at this time of year?

• Winter Solstice is a time of transition. Change can be hard on our nervous systems, even positive change. Journaling inspires different parts of our brain and psyche to talk to each other. Buried worries come into the light of day where we can talk them out and find solutions.
• es, it is a shift from darkness to light, but not just that. It's right before the New Year, and I find it so helpful to reflect on the year and mentally declutter before looking ahead to my new year intentions. 
• We are influenced by the rhythms of nature. Aligning with this cold and dark transitional time naturally draws us inward, by the hearth, under a blanket, and introspection becomes more fruitful and intuitive.

Here's a simplified version of my Winter Solstice self-reflection ritual.

These prompts are less about looking back and reflecting, and more about envisioning and initiating through the fire of transformation. We are bringing light to darkness on the longest night. 

I light a candle. You can light any sort of (safe) fire and do some Trāṭaka, or gazing meditation.

When I'm ready, I ask myself one question at a time, and write whatever comes to the surface:

• What fires me up?
• What inspires me?  
• What are my core values?  
• What do I need to create, in order to serve my values?  
• Who do I need to become, in order to serve my values?  
• When I am aligned with my values, what is my intention?  
• What limiting beliefs and obstacles are arising?  
• How does my shadow side need to express itself? 

I write my obstacles on tiny strips of paper, invite them to enlighten me, and pause.

Obstacles may be personal, interpersonal or systemic.

More obstacles often arise as I gaze quietly into the flame, and it may take several rounds before I feel clear. Then I burn them all up! I wonder if you will find it as satisfying as I do?

Post your values, intention, and whatever else inspires you somewhere prominent.

You can, of course, use the prompts without the candle.

If you do bring fire into your ritual, be safe!

If you incorporate any part of this ritual into your solstice, please let me know in the comments. 

"Kate's gentle spirit and tranquil tone invited me to experience clarity, release, and relaxation. I felt held."

-Katie D.

 

You're invited to:

Winter Solstice Fire Ritual, Meditation & Journaling

Winter solstice, the longest night of the year, holds tremendous energy for self-reflection and transformation. It's the perfect time to tap into your inner spark of intuition. Feel cozy and supported as you practice with a welcoming group. 

“I feel like I am entering the new year building on my strengths, rather than clearing aside old habits and pledging to start from scratch! I know that my yoga practice, and your teaching, made the difference.”

-Jeanmarie M.

We continue our journaling and intention setting all year round inside The Compassion Club. Try a free week of the Compassion Club. It will be opening soon, so put your name on the waitlist.

Healthy Happy Yoga is a welcoming online space to breathe and open up to connection. We’re breaking cycles to co-create a more inclusive future.

Kate Lynch (she/her): Parent of an amazing atypical kid, inclusive yoga teacher, and author. Her little neurodiverse family lives in a magical land called Brooklyn, AKA Lenape Territory.