The Journey Homeward, Part Three

​At this darkest time of year, we often find ourselves on that pilgrimage homeward. Whether it is a journey of introspection, reflecting on where the past year has brought us and where we want to point ourselves for the coming year, or an actual journey to visit family and celebrate the holidays together, we circle back round and reconnect to “what matters” at this time of year.
 
The darkness encourages us to feel things deeply. By quieting the visual stimulation, we connect to deeper places and feelings within ourselves.

Of course, as a culture we have learned how to override the darkness, how to avoid those deeper feelings. We distract ourselves with tinsel and other shiny things. But what if we could allow the dark time to embrace us?
 
The darkness doesn’t only have to be about fear and shadows. It can also be about renewal and appreciation. Do I feel the losses more when I connect to this place? Yes. And I also feel the joy and blessings more deeply, too. 
 
It doesn’t matter if every bow is glue-gunned in place or every card arrives on time. What matters is having a place to be warm and feel welcomed. What matters is opening the heart to receive love and sharing our gifts with others.
 
This week, I will celebrate the return toward the light, the joy of being with family, and the memory of those who have walked on. I will take time to appreciate the darkness – for the mystery it holds and the renewal it offers. 
 

A Solstice Blessing:
 
That we may be sheltered by the darkness,
That we may honor it’s quiet
as it whispers of waiting, turning, growing.
 
That we may be warmed by the light of the candle,
That we may trust it’s constancy
as it flickers and sends shadows
bouncing along the walls.
 
That we may be touched by love,
That we may know welcome and belonging
as we make the journey toward
the most interior circles of being,
​the journey homeward.