A simple practice for solstice season

Solstice season is upon us, and I can’t let this key moment pass without a short post.

Whether we’re celebrating the peak of the sun’s annual cycle in the northern hemisphere, or awaiting its return in the southern, we’re held, in liminal space, as if between an out breath and the next inhalation.

I’m sure we all know this beautiful still point, the natural pause between breaths, the Kumbhaka, and the equanimity and deeper sense of presence we experience by gradually extending its duration.

As I’m writing, there’s a lot of traffic noise outside my window. I’m noting how much I’m sighing. My body naturally knows how to eliminate the tension held within.

I wonder, is this solstice offering us an extended opportunity to eliminate some of the tension we’re collectively feeling, to eliminate old ways of being or reacting that no longer serve us or our world?

Sun flower in full bloom

Yet, more than that, I believe it’s offers us a wonderful opportunity to re-calibrate and to set our intentions, and therefore actions, towards the things that we want to see develop in the world.

Let’s take some time over the next few days to become more aware of our beliefs and thinking and to make any adjustments, so that we are raising our expectations and concentrating on the values, feelings and ways we want things to be for the future.

I’m talking big picture, blue sky thinking here, rather than specifics.

The tag line from my last post is a good place for me to start. It states,

“My soul is longing for harmony, cooperation, sharing and reverence for life.”

Ask yourself,

How do I want to feel, and how do I want others to feel in the future?

– Let’s use a broad-brush stroke with things like feeling happy, fulfilled, content, optimistic, joyful, at peace. . .

How do I want people to interact with one another?

– Perhaps compassionately, respectfully, inclusively, collaboratively, equitably . . .

How do I wish the earth to be?

– Perhaps thriving, generative, abundant, balanced, supportive of all life.

What else will you wish for?

We know that collective experience enhances that of the individual, and by promoting a positive view of the future together, we cannot help but create an energetic buzz!

I recently heard that if we could see the connections that such collective action creates, we would see a pattern similar to the flower of life – that sacred geometry based upon the number six?

As we make that decision to literally step out of our usual lives, all sorts of previously unacknowledged fears surface, demanding our attention. Often, we start with the basics, where will we sleep, what will we eat, will my body endure the trek.

And so, my handbook – like innumerable others addresses some of these basics with sections that discuss foot care, socks, trekking poles and the like.

For me the inner journey is as important as the outer. The Camino offers a wonderful opportunity to deeply contemplate how we relate to ourselves, to others and to the world around us. Supporting this inner work is my passion, so my handbook includes a section entitled Safe and Free Accompaniment.

In numerology, this marriage of two and three, odd and even is the number of creation, the number of days needed to create the cosmos. It represents perfection, structure and order.

Close up of a silvery white snowflake with deep blue background

Six occurs widely in natural structures, in snowflakes, graphite and quartz.

What a wonderful image! Our shared collective intentions can gather and resonate into beautiful crystalline structures and come together to recreate the cosmos.

So, whether you’re celebrating the sun in its fullness, or eagerly awaiting its return, let’s resolve this solstice to co-create the cosmos that we want to see for those who are yet to come.

Be joyful, be safe, be well

Annie

Pale pink roses and pale blue flowers on a moss covered table - detail from the rose mandala shown in the post

Closing the Circle

Hello friends, Just a short post today, to touch base and acknowledge the symbology, the sense of completion that today’s full moon brings. And as

Read More »
Bronze detail from the cathedral door in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain, depicting a father hugging a returning son

Joy and Sorrow

Liminal Space and the Unfolding of Human Consciousness Endings and beginnings, endings and beginnings. Isn’t it the way that sometimes they flow seamlessly into one

Read More »
Triangular model representing the levels of reality - Physical, Emotional/mental, Archetypal, Spiritual

Changes, changes. . .

Can we heed Rumi and let life live through us? “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through

Read More »