Breathe…more periodically publishes an email newsletter to keep our clients informed of upcoming events, as well as reflect on past events. If you wish to subscribe, please simply email us at breathemore@att.net.
Here is a sample of a newsletter from a combined December/January issue. Happy reading!
Winter Solstice…Time to Rejoice and Reflect (Dec 07/Jan 08)
Submitted by Cherie L. B. Trice, MA
Winter Solstice is the time of year when the night is longest and the day is shortest. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, that day is Saturday, December 22nd. Winter Solstice is celebrated across all continents, all people, all religions and all faiths. It dates back as far as the Mesopotamians, and possibly earlier. That culture celebrated the shortest day of the year with a 12 day festival of renewal. Stonehenge is believed to be a giant clock which records both the shortest day and the longest day of the year. Other Stonehenge like structures exist in Scotland, Europe, North America and throughout the world. Winter Solstice is a fundamental seasonal event….one which through the ages has been looked upon by natives and farmers as the beginning of the return to longer days. Women and men would encourage the return of longer days by lighting candles and bonfires to mimic the brightness and warmth of the sun. In addition, they would often celebrate with music and dancing.
In our modern world, solstice is often viewed as a way to mark the change of seasons, particularly when, in our car-bound and office-bound life, we feel cut off from nature. In order to reconnect with this change of seasons, many folks have reinvented the celebration of solstice by simply observing, noting, and honoring the change of seasons in a way that is comfortable with their own faith. This kind of festival can be a wonderful way to connect with people from all occupations, background, and life experiences. This can be as simple as lighting a candle, or leaving food or seeds for local wildlife. Solstice invites us to recognize that on this long and cold dark night, we can be together, bring each other light and comfort, and celebrate the return of longer and warmer days ahead.
