Return of the Light

We are nearing the Winter Solstice. A time of the return of the light, when days will get longer.

But right now, we are in the dark. And on the West Coast, it is raining, raining, raining. The shortest day of the year for those of us in the Northern hemisphere is December 21st. For another week, we are in the darkest time of the year here.

Winter Blues - Winter Blahs

We are literally in the dark more hours each day than in the light. And that affects many of. Some people get SADS: Seasonal Affected Disorder, also known as the wintertime blues. Some people want to stay home and hibernate. Some people feel less verve and zest for life. And some people are completely unaffected by the hours in the day.

And for some, it can bring up a dark night of the soul. Even if not plunged into depression from the lack of light, many people are right now remembering loved ones lost who are not here for the holidays. Thinking back on the year and perhaps not being kind enough with ourselves about what we did or did not accomplish. Perhaps being alone at a cold, dark time of year when others are celebrating.

If you are in Santa Rosa, CA, and need support during this hectic time, there is drop-in a Holiday Season Prayer Support circle every Tuesday. If you are not in this area, there's probably one near you at a Center, church, or place of worship.

Have you ever felt completely lost in the dark?

If you are human, chances are, you have.

Everyone has. It's part of the human experience. If we were happy all the time, we probably wouldn't appreciate the good times because it would be the background normal, and could easily be taken for granted. Part of being alive is having experiences that we name good and bad, happy and sad.

When you have lost your internal compass, what can you do?

Getting a Higher Perspective Helps.

Remembering that this lost feeling is temporary helps.
Remembering that you are more than the situation.
Remembering that you have overcome obstacles in the past.
Remembering that there are unseen forces conspiring for your success and your highest Good.
Remembering that, thank Goodness, darkness cannot last forever.

Any time I get really down, I remind myself that I survived my teens, so I can survive this!

The light is returning

And with it, hope.
And with it, joy.
And with it, a new perspective.
May it be a beautiful return for you!

Metamorphosis

The caterpillar turns to complete mush in the cocoon in order to become the butterfly. You wings are waiting for you!

I Can See Clearly Now

In the meantime, to look forward to that Light and Joy, here's a link to I Can See Clearly Now!  Note: I don't know the person who posted this, but I like the video. You will probably see an ad before the video.

How About You?

How do you lift yourself up when you feel in the dark?