Winter Solstice and Wanting Less

Another exercise in letting go

I never thought I would feel so comfortable out on a sailboat in the rain in winter, but here I am, embracing it like glamping. There’s something about not keeping up with appearances and not having all the creature comforts. Well, except for my laptop that’s on its last leg with translucent keys, the short battery life, and now the left shift key needing an extra press to make a letter capitalized. I love this old thing with faded stickers; I can’t depart with it yet. I chose what books to bring (paperbacks, of course), left my candles and tarot/angel decks behind, and packed the minimum supply of the daily uniforms — fleece jacket, Smart Wool, and layers for sleeping and wake time worn for a few days at a time.

Unfortunately, I can’t record this one in my voice or upload a picture because I'm on the boat.

Another exercise in letting go.

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Residing in the Northern Hemisphere means December 21 is the shortest day and longest night of the year. When I tell my husband the days will get longer after this day, he whispers an enthusiastic, “Yes!” We are all affected by the short days and prolonged darkness in various ways from putting on a few extra pounds, watching more content, or maybe having a bit more to eat and drink. Living in a valley surrounded by mountains, the sun begins to go behind them at 3:30 pm dashing to complete tasks begin before the sunset at 4:30-5 pm.

The darkness is not only a physiological necessity but a time for hibernation and slowing down so we can recuperate emotionally and spiritually from the activities of the other seasons. The darkness can mirror a wanderer, helping us to reflect where we may have strayed too far from our true path, a time to acknowledge how far we’ve emotionally traveled or acknowledge any losses or estrangements we have been tied to. It could also be a time to look in the mirror to face the veracity of our inner motives.

It’s a Hero’s Journey; everything goes back to this for me lately as a metaphor for life. Sometimes, we feel there’s a lack of progress, of what it depends on the day, and remembering that the return to self is supported by the seasons and the elements of nature itself. Nature supports us to take our time to stop, slow down, retrace our steps, and reconnect to the core essence of who we truly are. We can choose to center ourselves with the course of nature, drawing down into the well of our roots, back to the origins.

Where have I strayed too far from? Where did I go?

Or maybe at the brink and to think, “OK, that’s enough emotions for the entire year.” And drop it all.

Either way, you aren’t the same person you were yesterday. At the core, you are still the child from age 10 and under who wants to play, be free, and laugh in the snow. I remember my sister, and I used to sled down whatever hill we could find. The best hill was at the golf course - we could stay out in the cold for hours and come home to the Swiss Miss Cocoa with Fluff.

This time of year is like being between worlds; it feels stagnant yet, at times, forced to be festive and give.

I’m finding I want less material things but my mind builds traps when I desire a little retail therapy. All the justification of thoughts in my mind as it heals me for the moments when I get a good sale. And in this very moment, I have a sale tab open at a clothing store I like with recent markdowns!

“Jeez! Come on! Get back to writing,” my mind screams—life of a writer.

As I make my way in the world as a creative, I want to know if I can live a life that de-centers earning money as self-worth. Can I truly live in my purpose, be of service to others, and have enough income? If we all have a birthright to joy, then why can’t we do what we love?

That’s it, it’s time to lean into less consumerism so I can enjoy the things that matter to me most. I’d rather spend on writing classes, and subscriptions to other writers on this platform, which all lead to human connection and expansion of thought, curiosity, validation, support, and wonder.

That’s it - a wonder infusion!

So, invite you to have a wonder infusion of your own on this very short day and long night. Embrace the darkness and fill it with curiosity and wonder.

Podcast coming out tomorrow - hope you enjoy!