Welcome to the winter solstice!
I think this is the first year I have paid suffficient attention to a) realise it was happening, b) organise a solstice bonfire, and c) take a few minutes to reflect on what this day symbolises for me.
For the last 4 years I've been on a menopausal journey that has taken me further down into the dark than I've ever travelled before. Talk about an extended metaphorical winter. But now, there's been a huge shift and change, and I have come back to life - as a friend said a few days ago when we bumped into each other at a cafe. I hadn't thought of it in that way, but she was totally right.
What does coming back to life look like for me?
I've been waking up and staying out of bed, for one thing. Huge!
I've been doing daily practise of qigong and meditation.
I've been cleaning and clearing the house, rearranging things to make sense and getting rid of crap. (I hadn't dusted my bedroom dresser for 6 months, as an example. Just. Couldn't. Do it.)
I've been cooking from a recipe book again, and ENJOYING cooking! Who knew!
I've started a 21-year-overdue bathoom renovation.
I've bought some house plants to bring some more energy into the house.
I've joined a local concert band and am learning to play the timpani.
I've been holding a fortnightly drumming circle.
I'm going to restart my women's radio show (if you are new here and didn't know I had one, you can hear past eps at www.kupala.com.au/radio-show)
I've been dreaming up ideas for women's workshops and circles and events.
I could go on and write 50 more points, but I won't. I think you get the idea!
At my winter solstice bonfire, I invited my guests to bring an object to burn that represents something they want to let go of. I burnt a nature goddess sculpture I made out of wood, wire and dried flowers. It was made at a time when I wasn't feeling great - thoughts of unworthiness and comparison circled my head while I was creating it with a group of women at a weekend camping gathering. I've since grown and made peace with my feelings. I know I don't need to compare myself with others, and that I am worthy, because I can finally feel the truth of it. It's such a relief!
What would you burn in my solstice fire if you were there?
Great to see your energy rising Kath. I couldn't come to your fire as I live interstate - but I went to one here (SA) and wrote down all the things I no longer wanted in my life, ripped up the paper into small pieces, stuck them in a pine cone and threw them into a blazing fire. Very satisfying!
Yay for you, Kath. I'm feeling the shift too. Wish I could join in on the conflagration xx
Love the winter solstice.