Dear Reader,
I have spent much of my day watching the light change outside my window. Today is the year’s fulcrum for daylight; the official beginning of winter and the shortest day of 2010. From here on, the days will be getting longer and be filled with more light, more promise, more growth. But for today, at least, we can be content to dream the dreams we will create in the spring.
A perfect day to watch the light, wouldn’t you agree? And what a show it has been. Earlier, the island of Bressay, covered with a layer of white from last night’s snow, was lit with an intense side light as the sun rose. That sharp orange gave way to a more diffused pink light that remained soft for most of the morning. Since we are far north here in Shetland, the sun never did take the appearance of full daylight, but shifted directly from sunrise to the beginning of sunset. Now at mid-afternoon, the harbor and the islands are glowing a sharper, purple-pink, and the light seems to come from within. For a few minutes, four dazzling columns of sunlight flicker on the water, then merge into one, then disappear.
For how many thousands of years have we been marking this time of year, and watching this show of light? We even built structures designed so that on this one day, in years when the sun was actually unblocked by clouds, it would shine through an opening, inch along a narrow passageway to strike some stone wall for a few blinding seconds.
Today is a great day to look within and ask for guidance about what dreams you would like to bring forth as the days grow longer again. Are you willing? Are your dreams important enough? I think they are.
Of course, any day can be the perfect day to set an intention, to make a commitment that brings you fully to life. But a powerful marker in nature such as today can help. Why wait until the new year? Ask for guidance now. Set your intention. Then go to the window or better yet, go outside and watch the light change. Take whatever inspiration you are given, resolve to nurture it over the next few months, and see what grows in the spring.
I honor your loving heart,
John
Thanks, John… the reason I am reading your Winter Solstice entry is because you and I share the same name, and I have a Google alert set up to let me know when this name is found online… not sure, though, why this is the first time I have seen your journal. The winter solstice is one of my favorite days of the year… for 6 months after, each day yields a little more light… and yes, another opportunity to create joy.
In 2004, a friend who knew I was struggling at that time recommended that I see “What the Bleep Do We Know?” Perhaps the most popular interview from the film was Dr. Joe Dispenza’s “Create Your Day” interview. A subsequent internet search for “create your day” led me to new age musical artists Twinflame, from whom I purchased a meditational CD titled, “Create Your Day” (not connected to, but inspired by the film). Within the transcript of this meditation I found the mission statement for my life…
Bring me the opportunity to make a profound difference in another’s ability to experience life more joyfully, and fulfill their life’s purpose.
Everything happens for a reason… cause and effect… there are no accidents, no coincidence, no serendipity…
Thank you for sharing.
Hi John – I am delighted to meet you! A couple of years ago, I actually met another John Morris face to face; we had back to back physical therapy appointments at the same office. The receptionist thought she had made a scheduling mistake! It was a real thrill to meet someone with the same name.
And thanks for sharing such a great story. I, too, enjoyed “What the Bleep Do We Know,” and I remember that interview with Dr. Dispenza. You have yourself a powerful mission statement.
Thanks for connecting…