Finding Peace In Winter Solstice

As the nights become longer and the days become shorter we find ourselves wrapped in a blanket of darkness. Winter solstice, which falls on December 21^st 2017, is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Many fear this length of darkness but it should truly be used as a day of reflection, inner guidance, and self- realization. On Winter Solstice at mid-day you shadow is the longest it can be. Use this time to watch your shadow cast over the earth and lead you to your truest intentions.

At this time, 2 weeks before the New Year, you reflect on 2017, not dwelling in the past or overjoying on the good. Before you decide to set your 2018 intentions, use this 2 week period as a time of reflection and renewal before the New Year. Ask yourself these questions; how has your cycle around the sun and through the earth affected the world and the people in it? How has your existence left an imprint or shadow upon this earth? Take moments to be mindful, present, and aware when answering these questions. These questions will then lead you to your 2018 intentions.

Let go of “resolutions” and phrases that such as “New Year, New You” that instill the sense that every year we need to change who we are. Set intentions. Intentions lead us to be more accountable, which leads us to patterns and ultimately a lifestyle. When searching for your truest intentions ensure they are measurable and realistic. Before you put your intentions into practice make sure the universe knows them too. Write them down, say them aloud, anything to simply “get it out there”. The universe will help keep you on track.

Take a moment to ask yourself for the qualities you need to allow yourself to find your intentions. On this quite pause on the longest night and shortest day of the year, become aware of this mysterious change that is happening in the turn. Let your winter light re-kindle to blaze through winter and create renewal and rebirth for you.

MONTHLY MEDITATION

                              This month’s meditation is brought to you by:                                                                               Awareness Body Scan

Becoming aware of the body as the days begin to get shorter and colder is pertinent to winter “survival”. Practicing a weekly body scan to check-in with the body as it transitions into the cold.

MEDITATION

MONTHLY AFFIRMATION
                                                                  

As we sit upon the eve of the holidays we are most likely finishing up our; gift wrapping, food prepping, and car filling. When the day is over, presents are unwrapped and the food is ate we bask in the air of love and happiness. Instead of thanking that special someone for the amazing gift you cannot wait to begin to use, take a moment to find even more love for that person.

A great tool to do on your way home from a holiday or after everyone has left, is make a list of all the gifts you received and who gave them to you. Take a moment, maybe find your breath and enjoy a cup of tea, and go through each of the “givers” and why you are so grateful for them. If you are a visual person make another list with the reason why the giver is better than the gift. This tool will help keep you anchored to gratitude before the start of the New Year. This is a great tool to use before taking time to set your New Year Intentions.

Holidays are a time for love, joy and the people closest to your hearts. So this year, as you eat your food, unwrap your gifts, and watch the Holiday season come to a close find time to re-anchor, re-focus, and re-ground yourself through gratitude.

WHATS GOING ON AT OIC?
                                                                  

• January 10th MBM (Mind Body Medicine) begins for 8 weeks 6:30pm OIC Main. Contact Nicolette at n.rogers@omahaic.com to sign up.
• Brenda Bridge now offers Integrative Spa services, see a full list HERE.
• Join us, partnering with Omaha Meditates, on January 1st at 1pm for an intention setting meditation at OIC Main. FREE!
• MBSR begins January 22nd or March 30th (8 weeks). See more info HERE.