Darkness (Winter Solstice)

On Saturday, December 21st, we (the northern hemisphere) will experience the least amount of sunlight in 365 days. The winter solstice occurs because the earth tilts and as it rotates around the sun it gets varying degrees of direct light.

We've all been privy to the general grumbling that occurs this time of year. Maybe we've perpetuated the grumbling. While it's understandable to enjoy the light, feel energized by it and miss it when we don't have a lot of it, the darkness holds the key to our ability to rest and rejuvenate. It was only recently that I understood why I love fall so much. There are several reasons, not the least of which is it's the beginning of the move inward. Summer has us amped up for months. Fall begins the wind down process. We can wear comfortable, comforting clothing. We can feel more settled.

Too much of anything can be detrimental. Just look at the poles of the earth. They have 6 months of light and dark at a time. There are all kinds of psychological issues associated with this. You can see studies on the physiological detriment of 3rd shift workers. There is a certain rhythm our bodies follow. When we disturb that rhythm, we get sick, physically or mentally.

This week's class is intended to help you see why you feel the way you do about the dark. For some, the dark is scary. I told my son he's afraid of the dark. He said no, he's afraid of coyotes in the dark. Please consider this semantic distinction. Most people aren't afraid of the dark itself. But we fill the dark. I told him, in that case, he's afraid of what he can't see in the dark. He agreed. I think this is true of most. For some, the dark is comforting. What does the dark hold for you?

Our practice will honor the dark while remembering the light. The winter solstice may be the longest night, but it heralds the return of the light. Every night after the 21st will be a little shorter until June.