“Why are you so afraid of silence, silence is the root of everything. If you spiral into its void a hundred voices will thunder message you long to hear.” Rumi

The Winter Solstice is almost upon us and for centuries this time of the year is known for being a time of reflection. In the old days, our ancestors would have been warmly and cozily snuggled all together by the fire in their cave, cabin, tepee or other humble home. There would have been no high tech distractions or a long list of things to do. There would have just the quiet short days and long nights. It was a time to rest from the harvest, spend time together and listen to the stillness of the quiet winter.

The word solstice comes from Latin “sol” meaning sun and “sistere”, which means to stand still. For just a moment the seasonal movement of the sun’s path seems to stop – to stand still before reversing direction and the days start to get longer again.

The Winter Solstice reminds us to take time to step into the stillness. To stop, if even for just a brief moment, to be present and reflect; when we do this and move into the stillness we can create a great many things.

In our busy, busy lives especially at this time of the year who has time to be still? Our already overwhelmed lives, seems to get even more impacted and time is precious. BUT ….. You don’t need to spend hours trying to quiet the body and mind into that Zen Zone of meditation.

Stepping into the Stillness is really more about being wholly and fully present in that very moment. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you are doing, you can quickly and easily find that quiet center of stillness. And even if it is only for a few seconds, few minutes or even longer you will reap tons of benefits.

1. PAUSE and find something beautiful or peaceful that catches your eye. It could be a bird, a beautifully decorated home with Holiday lights, people walking by at the mall, etc.
2. BREATHE DEEPLY into that beauty and peace releasing thoughts and judgments. Just notice and observe.
3. BECOME FULLY PRESENT. On the next inhale set the intention to call back all energies from thoughts and activities from early in the day, prior to that moment in time. Imagine them flowing back to you. Then call back all energies from the thoughts and activities after that moment in time. Imagine them flowing back to you.

As those energies flow back to you will notice that you will feel more centered and balanced. You have stepped into the Stillness of the present moment and in the power of NOW. Take one more deep breath and then you can get back to your day.

Do this several times a day and especially before going to sleep and you will effortlessly glide through the rest of the Holiday Season and into the New Year.