If you are reading this on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in the Northern Hemisphere, you have just survived the longest night of the year. You have now entered the shortest day of the year, and the official start of winter. From here, the days will get longer.
From all over the world, thousands will gather today at Stonehenge in England. Walking among the stones is open to the general public only during the solstices. Built more than 4,000 years ago, the ancient ones built the ring of stones to follow the sun’s path across the sky. The sun will set perfectly framed between two upright stones on this day. In ancient days, the rhythm of the seasons marked important times for farm life, raising crops and animals. Perhaps they were marked with ceremony and ritual at sites like Stonehenge, like the gathering that happens today.
In modern city life, we are more disconnected from the seasons. However, as evidenced by the thousands gathering at Stonehenge, there is something special about marking time in this way. It is time to call back in the light with the “birth of the sun” as the days begin to get longer. At Christmas, the birth of the Christ is celebrated. Hanukkah is the festival of lights. Many traditions celebrate winter holidays, marking time with gatherings of family and friends.
Connecting to the rhythms of the natural world is one of the deepest ways to come back into Presence. Many scientific studies have shown the positive effects that nature has on mood and physical health. While the mind might not understand all the reasons, there is an inner knowing that this is true. Nature is one of the great healers. When we slow down and match her rhythm, there is a sense of coming home. There is a connection to the great mystery of the universe – the earth, the sun, the moon, the stars … and of course, our very selves. Take time to visit the sunrise and the sunset, feel the rhythms of the seasons and the day. Let it connect you to your inner rhythms. Discover the healing power of nature for yourself.