How has your year been?
The past few months have been packed with behind-the-scenes creating and planning, because we have some exciting live online events to celebrate the season coming, and I need to get ready...
Also, I'm just very good at staying busy enough to avoid my own inner work.
When I notice that, I turn to journaling and meditation...
Focus inward
I feel the winter solstice inviting me into stillness. It is the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. This time of year our traditions symbolize returning to the light, and many rituals bring light and nature inside.
Experience stillness and focus on your intentions through a special gazing meditation, so that you can hear what your inner knowing has been waiting to tell you.
Fire ceremonies are as ancient and global as humans are. From Pagan and Shamanic rituals, to Catholic offerings, to Animist worship and Hindu puja, fire runs through all of our lineages.
“Fire allows for rapid transformation.
It provides the avenue to let go of the old story and drama, to transform, to renew and to be reborn.”
–Dr. Alberto Villoldo
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 live in an apartment in Brooklyn, so use a candle in a big fire-safe bowl. You can light any sort of (safe) flame, and do some Trāṭaka, or gazing meditation. Softly focus on the dancing flame and immerse your attention at that focal point.
Take time to settle into stillness...
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 could use the prompts without the candle, but 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.
Bring light into darkness
When we're witnessing traumatic events on a global scale, we need community and ritual more than ever. By projecting our warmth we can ignite communal energy online. We can do our small part to lift suffering and bring light to darkness. Send out peace and kindness. Think of something you can do that aligns with your core values to relieve suffering in some way.
"Kate's gentle spirit and tranquil tone invited me to experience clarity, release, and relaxation. I felt held."
-Katie D.
Would you like to wrap up 2023 feeling connected, peaceful, and clear?
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.
Bring your loved ones
Anyone can join on a donation basis, and the workshop is included for Compassion Club members. Just send them to this page to sign up.
Come late, leave early, do your own thing, video on or off, no problem!
Click here to sign up for 2023 Winter Solstice Fire Ritual, Meditation & Journaling
As soon as I have a New Year's Day plan, email subscribers will be the first to know!
If you breathe, you belong here.
You'll get a glimpse of what it's like inside The Compassion Club, our online therapeutic yoga membership for highly sensitive, empathetic people. 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 and meditation teacher, and author. Her little neurodiverse family lives in a magical land called Brooklyn, AKA Lenape Territory.
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