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nature’s cycles

  • It’s a particularly tough winter here in Philly. We’re hobbled by mounds of now-filthy snow and bitter cold temperatures.

    And… have you noticed how the days are getting longer, bit by bit? That it’s not dark at 5pm anymore?

    Winter isn’t over yet, but we’re at the halfway point between the solstice and the equinox.

    Today we mark the ancient Celtic holiday Imbolc. It’s a time to begin preparation for the spring. It isn’t here yet, but it’s coming.

    Our modern day, commercialized equivalent? Groundhog Day.

    I have a suspicion that Punxsutawney Phil, the famous rodent, will foresee six more weeks of winter. Yes, it’s just silly pageantry, but underneath we can find pagan roots celebrating the turning of the wheel of the year.

    However long the fierce cold and frozen slush endures, we can celebrate the return of the light and trust that this too shall pass. And while we wait, it’s a good time to start dreaming of the seeds we wish to plant when the thaw eventually arrives.

    Spring is coming.

    P.S. The groundhog’s shadow has been seen, confirming my prediction. Don’t put away your winter gear just yet!

    Halfway to Spring

    It’s a particularly tough winter here in Philly. We’re hobbled by mounds of now-filthy snow and…

  • … and let go of everything that is ready to go.

    Autumn is the time of year when Nature urges us to release our hold on that which no longer serves us. Clinging to the old uses a lot of life-force energy and often prevents us from moving forward.

    See how the trees simply drop the leaves after they have completed their time together?

    Winter is coming and that is a time for rest and restoration. That can be more easily done when we aren’t dragging a bunch of decaying matter with us, be it beliefs, emotions, habits, or relationships.

    What’s one thing you can release in order to make more space for your true self to emerge?

    Me? I’m doing a closet clean out AND committing to taking the bag(s) of culled items to a donation center by the end of the month.

    It doesn’t need to be complicated or arduous. Maybe start with that pile of paperwork cluttering your desk or the ubiquitous kitchen junk drawer. Your future self with thank you.

    Be Like a Tree

    … and let go of everything that is ready to go. Autumn is the time of…

  • Today marks a turning point in which night and day are balanced.

    In the northern hemisphere, summer turns to fall, and in the southern hemisphere, winter turns to spring.

    Where I live, the days are getting shorter and the weather cooler. I love it! Sweater weather is coming.

    Regardless of your relationship with this seasonal shift, it’s happening. No amount of bargaining will change the fact that the wheel of the year keeps on turning.

    I find that the more aware and attuned I am to the seasons, the more harmony I experience in my life.

    We can all benefit from aligning ourselves with the rhythms of Nature. What’s one small act you can easily do today that will create more balance in your world? Perhaps it’s curbing frivolously spending or taking a break from a busy workday.

    I very much enjoyed this free breathwork meditation on Insight Timer. It’s only ten minutes long and applicable wherever you are on the planet.

    https://insig.ht/lmTzInwxSWb

    Every step in the direction we wish to go contributes to our health and happiness. Something as simple and accessible as practicing equal breathing techniques can have a profound impact.

    Even one mindful breath can help. Join me now. Bonus points for an audible sigh on the exhale. Aaaaaah.

    Happy Equinox!

    Today marks a turning point in which night and day are balanced. In the northern hemisphere,…

  • Today is the summer solstice for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere; it’s the longest day of the year. I saw my first firefly last night, which confirms the arrival of summer here. Ironically we have a blessedly cool day blooming, despite the sun working overtime.

    For everyone in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s winter solstice and the longest night. For all of us, it’s a turning point. A time when the pendulum reaches the extreme end of its arc before beginning it’s journey towards center.

    It’s a great time to review the past 6 months, noticing any patterns, stuckness, or imbalance. Are you in harmony with nature’s energy? Is there anything you can learn that will benefit you moving forward?

    I find it helpful to do a simple inventory of where I am currently (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, energetically, circumstantially) this time of year to help me evaluate where I am going in the next 6 months.

    Themes that are up for me are prosperity, musculoskeletal health, and community. I’m going to spend some time contemplating how I can support my goals while surfing the soon-to-be waning sun and lengthening nights energies.

    If that seems like too much bother, a simple way to honor this day is to enjoy local fruits and vegetables. Celebrating the bounty of the summer crops by savoring the harvest (cherries, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and cucumbers for me) can help us get in touch with the land where we are and align with the season.

    Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I wish you a lovely day filled with all your favorite things. May the sun shine gently upon you.

    Happy Solstice!

    Today is the summer solstice for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere; it’s the…

  • Today is the summer solstice for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere; it’s the longest day of the year. I saw my first firefly last night, which confirms the arrival of summer here. Ironically we have a blessedly cool day blooming, despite the sun working overtime.

    For everyone in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s winter solstice and the longest night. For all of us, it’s a turning point. A time when the pendulum reaches the extreme end of its arc before beginning it’s journey towards center.

    It’s a great time to review the past 6 months, noticing any patterns, stuckness, or imbalance. Are you in harmony with nature’s energy? Is there anything you can learn that will benefit you moving forward?

    I find it helpful to do a simple inventory of where I am currently (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, energetically, circumstantially) this time of year to help me evaluate where I am going in the next 6 months.

    Themes that are up for me are prosperity, musculoskeletal health, and community. I’m going to spend some time contemplating how I can support my goals while surfing the soon-to-be waning sun and lengthening nights energies.

    If that seems like too much bother, a simple way to honor this day is to enjoy local fruits and vegetables. Celebrating the bounty of the summer crops by savoring the harvest (cherries, strawberries, sugar snap peas, and cucumbers for me) can help us get in touch with the land where we are and align with the season.

    Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I wish you a lovely day filled with all your favorite things. May the sun shine gently upon you.

    Happy Solstice!

    Today is the summer solstice for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere; it’s the…