The Winter Solstice, Cold Weather Rituals, and a Local Photographer
Welcome, Winter Solstice! It goes without saying, that winter is usually not the most celebrated season of the year. The coldness, darkness, and nakedness of the trees and plants can feel downright depressing. However, I encourage you to find positive aspects of all the seasons, including winter.
I recently designed a yoga class themed around the season of winter which focused on respecting the darkness while also celebrating light. This class offered me a moment of pause and reflection. Winter is a time for rest. Rest for the plant world, the animal world, and also ourselves. In this article we will explore the simple ways to bring more rest, reflection, and joy into the coldest season of the year.
Winter Solstice and the Cosmos
The winter solstice, happening around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s a natural event that holds special significance for many cultures and can also impact our well-being.
Embracing the winter solstice can be an opportunity to tune into nature’s rhythms and honor the importance of turning inward during this darker, quieter time. Warm meals, walks in nature, and restorative yoga practices are some of my favorite ways to savor the season. Seasonal traditions and rituals offer the comfort and stability we humans naturally need and enjoy.
Winter Traditions & Rituals
- Light a candle.
- Sit by a wood-burning fire.
- Make a wreath or other craft.
- Soak in a warm bath.
- Practice yoga nidra. Learn more Here.
- Meditate.
- Make a warm one-pot meal (soup).
- Practice restorative yoga.
- Journal.
- Gaze at the beauty of the night sky.
- Go on a walk/hike.
- Photograph the winter landscapes.
“Shine the light of gratitude on all the good in our lives”
-Tamara Levitt
Capturing the Beauty of Wintertime
Living in western NC gives me the privilege of enjoying beautiful scenery and landscapes. During our summer season, the mountains of NC are a vortex of green-filled life. It is quite incredible to witness the magnitude of green! However, don’t underestimate the beauty to be found in the landscapes during the colder months. The long-range views, quality of light, and clear skies make for some incredible scenic views.
A couple of years ago, I met a talented photographer at the community I work for. Jeffrey Artz explores the off-beaten paths of western NC in search of his next beautiful shot. As you can imagine, his landscape photos of waterfalls, summit overlooks, and wildflowers are breathtaking! I have been very fortunate to receive several incredible prints from Jeff which I display in my home yoga/meditation studio. Recently, Jeffrey gifted me a print that really resonated with me. The picture was taken on one of his life-experiences (aka road trips) up north while exploring the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Specifically, the photo has a minimalistic vibe with a simple row of evergreen trees framed by a clear winter sky. Various birds are sprinkled around the landscape of the serene setting.
The Man Behind the Camera
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Jeffrey about what inspires the man behind the camera. His reply was what I expected, “Nature.” He went on to share that his primary love is nature and that he looks to capture images of waterfalls, sunsets & sunrises, forest floors, flower macros and generally nature at work in the forests and along seascapes. Additionally, he hopes that when people look at his images, they evoke a sense of peacefulness, joy, and lead to a meditative mood. Furthermore, while all four seasons in the forest are a wonderful place to be, there’s something about the peace and tranquility of winter. That is why he captured the trees in the photo he gifted me.
A Leaf's Life: Our Day in the Sun
A Leaf’s Life: Our Day in the Sun
Ah, the budding youth of early spring as we bound from our mother’s reaching limb, our tender adolescence in shades of light green, young adults with maturing dark greens of deep summer, the yellows and reds of the fall of our life, the gentle descent with late fall winds, to our final resting place in the Netherworld.
We’ve had our day in the sun and I’ve since come to rest, Oh how fast does life pass us by, patiently watching the days and years go by until we return to the Earth, there to provide nutrients to those that come after us, that they too can enjoy their day in the sun.
-Jeffrey Artz
Final Thoughts
As we bid farewell to the longest night and welcome the return of brighter days, let’s savor the magic of the winter solstice. It’s a time to snuggle up, sip on hot cocoa, and appreciate the cozy moments with loved ones. The solstice marks a natural turning point, reminding us that even in the coldest times, there’s a promise of warmth ahead. So, as we embrace the season’s spirit, let’s cherish the simple joys and look forward to the light that’s just around the corner. Happy winter solstice!
