It’s cloudy, quiet and cool as I write this on solstice eve in Geneva. The fog and cold serve to bury us inside our homes and curb desire for outward expeditions, but the seeds of life enthusiasm remain like kindling in the fire. Yesterday, I read about the narrow escape of a man stuck in his car hidden and buried under snow and how only by the methodical efforts of a New York state trooper was he saved after 10 hours – battery run down, cell phone without charge, no heat, no feeling in his feet, but very much alive and joyful to be saved.

A time for hibernation
So it is at this time of the year: less sun, low energy, the need to conserve, draw in and nurture the inner sphere. Oddly, because of the greatly reduced activity caused by our Covid epidemic, we are seeing much less than normal flu and colds in our acupuncture clinic because people aren’t draining themselves with holiday shopping, parties and the like. What so often happens is that people become enthusiastic for the excitements of getting together to make up for the otherwise low tide that they ignore their body signs that often say – “more sleep, please.” Yes, the balancing act between restorative sleep and rest with invigorating activity is not static, but in need of continual adjustment. If you work with your body signals, you nurture your energy and maintain good immunity functioning. Depending on your constitution and circumstances, you may need to be more physically active or you may need more rest and quiet. The time around the Solstice extending for a few weeks is the time we receive the least natural support from our environment, so hibernating a bit is quite fitting 

Welcome change with gratitude
This year we are experiencing a particularly low energy tide needing a deep return-to-the-roots period. Many traditions see this time period as a major transitional passage. And with all the uncertainty and changes afoot, it is normal to feel a bit anxious.  However, we should also realize that transitions are filled with opportunities to let go of past negativity and start anew. So as we remind ourselves that this is a time to rest and recuperate, we can also welcome this invitation to reflect upon our life journey and direction, nurture our selves, our homes and our loved ones and trust that the light and the warmth of Spring will bring the return of needed help, just like for our poor snow-bound friend. Cultivating our inner light of gratitude for all the goodness that we have received will go a long way to help us through hardship. Nature provides during times of difficulty, while enduring these challenges help us become stronger, more ready for the next cycle, with the needed adaptations to new activity that can bear good fruit.

A new cycle begins
With the Solstice we’ve reached the low ebb and so it is the turning point where the Yang energy is returning and our inner flame can find resonance with the slowly strengthening light and warmth.  Beside good sleep, this Winter Solstice period is a time we are attracted to hearty, well cooked foods, red colored and evergreen foliage and may quietly sing – Joy to the World, knowing that the light of the sun never fails to return.

Wishing you a happy holiday season!