Winter's Warrior Wisdom: A Solstice Reflection

Dec 21st is the first day of Winter, of the Winter Solstice, and the shortest day of the year. I am remembering my teacher, Angeles Arrien, who spoke of Winter as the season of the Warrior - a time to show up and choose to be present. To me, she was the epitome of a Warrior Woman, standing over 7 feet tall in my mind.

I will never forget her fierce gaze as she called upon the Warrior in me to come forth from out of my hiding. Angeles sat in the West, the direction of the Teacher, and for the first couple of years, I sat across the circle from her. Never on the same side. It took me years to get up the courage to sit closer. Then I always wanted to be close - I loved her so much then and miss her as much now.

I think that in Winter's time, I am more prone to think of friends and relatives who have passed …Some passages, like Angeles', were long ago, some are more recent and some are approaching sooner than the heart is ready (when is the heart ready for such loss?). It is not an easy time in this respect. This year feels a bit extra - often overwhelming.

So during this time, I want to focus on life not death; joy over sorrow; on the beauty that exists; the beauty of first fallen snow; cold wind on my face; opportunities to begin again; re-emergence; possibilities; solitude; the learnings from and experiences with those now gone and those here -

With Gratitude for it all.

#HappyWinterSolstice