Winter Solstice: The Gift of Darkness

Today is the Winter Solstice, marking the darkest day of what has been a very dark year. Everyone has carried a personal burden or two—or many—beyond the unprecedented times we find our selves in. And that is a point worth remembering—that we are not alone in our struggles. It is a strange and difficult path to navigate. But everyone else is somewhere on that path, too. And we will figure it out as we go.

Though often overlooked, there is also value to be found in darkness. It is one half of a balancing force in the cycle of life. Sometimes darkness feels like the heaviest burden—one we think we cannot share because no one else could possibly understand. But there is always someone else who understands. And there are times when darkness itself can be a gift. The absence of sunlight encourages us toward stillness, silence and deep introspection until we can see and hear our deepest truths with more clarity.

When today is the darkest day, it also means that tomorrow will be just a little bit brighter. And the next day. And the day after that. So when you feel the crushing weight of your darkest days, don’t despair. Light will rise again on the other side of this.

Call it prayer or meditation or just plugging into the wisdom of the universe, but I hope you’ll take the opportunity to get still and quiet today. Remember what you love about the people who matter most to you. Remember what you have that the world needs more of. I promise it’s important.