Whew! The winter solstice is almost here. This season of increasing darkness never fails to surprise me in it's ability to provide challenge in one form or another.
As the days shorten to negligible lengths of daylight, so do my inner reserves. A few days ago I realized it was time to reach into my bag o' tricks that I've been lucky enough to gather in my years of self-exploration so as not to stay in a dark place inside.
The shift to a lighter awareness occurs when I engage in the lives of others while tending my own light within. It happens when I fan the fires of my own passion and dare to bring more of that out into the world around me.
This December it took the full arsenal: daily meditation, time outside with my dog (despite the bitter temperatures), quality time with my loved ones, exercise, massage, hot baths, candlelight, daily doses of a light box and (gasp!) asking for help from friends and family who were willing to provide it.
Asking for help has been difficult to learn when I first was taught that a strong person does for herself. Yet, I know now, it takes much more of strength to ask for help from another then it does to sit in the comfort and familiarity of despair.
If dark days loom over you, dare to lean on another and don't be surprised when you find more of your own strength in the process! And, as the daylight increases, go out and pay it forward with your recharged self!
In loving action, Stephanie
