As we close 2021…

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night.

“Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.” – Marcus Aurelius

Winter Solstice

Today is December 21st, Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the shortest day of the year.

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.” -Albert Camus

Do you do anything differently? Go for a run, walk outside in the elements?

How are you celebrating? I’ll be watching the Seahawks vs Rams game but at the same time I’m acknowledging the change of seasons. If you want to create a new tradition to celebrate the change of this season, a few suggestions (thanks and credit to vivobarefoot):

• Make a solstice candle. Candle kits are widely available. You could go colourful, or add warming oils like clove or cinnamon.

• Create a winter mandala or collage – you might forage for materials on a winter walk.

• Make ornaments from paper and card – and ‘bless a tree’ – our ancestors gave thanks to the gods of old by leaving gifts in the forest (if you do this, make sure to use materials that won’t litter and don’t contain plastics – like glitter).

Or maybe you’ll find time just to take 5 minutes to pause and reflect on the turning of our amazing earth.