It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
The holiday season has arrived in full force. Front yards now showcase dancing reindeer, inflated Santa’s, twinkling lights and candy canes.
As the old year fades into the darkness of winter, rituals—quirky and quaint, strange threads of continuity–create meaning, captivating us with wonder.
For some, this may be a lonely season.
For those confused by a cluster of losses as the darkness closes in, the ornate glitter and excess of this Christmas season amplify isolation.
For some this may be an unseeded time of scant resources.
For some, the long-and-drawn-out dying of a relationship may ratchet up the strength to shrug off a life that now feels too small—too tight.
And for some, this festive season may be a time of joyful celebration, as we welcome a new baby into the family, or enjoy reunions with much-loved friends.
The winter solstice is a sacred still point in the year, the longest night, and in the darkness, something is gestating.
This period brings a moral awakening toughened with pragmatism. Often the self-denial that strips us of the things that are stagnant or decaying must be relinquished.
In our quick-to-discard culture, where even our longest relationships can be reactively “unfriended,” where family estrangement has reached epidemic proportions, and exile is often self-chosen, we may be actively seeking a new place or relationship that meets who we are becoming.
Our conscious minds obscure much that lies hidden in the shadow—institutional ageism, sexism, racism, etc. The insidious collective dogma that is so evident in politics, religion and corporations as warring factions separate spheres of belief and project their shadows on those we deem—Other.
Although we believe we are independent, we unconsciously absorb prejudices.
Before we reactively sever ties this Christmas, remember relationships and resilience endure.
As we come to the end of this year, winter’s bare-boned landscapes offer fewer distractions. Slow down. Give ourselves some contemplative time away from screens and devices, so that we may see that the refuge and renewal we seek are already within—waiting to born.
Heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported me and my work this past year.
Wishing you all a restful and peaceful festive season.
Dr. Paula
