is time of year has a magical quality as we witness the light returning. Have you noticed the days getting longer? Already, we’ve gained an additional hour per day of light since the beginning of January!
The Celtic celebration of Imbolc (Feb 1st & 2nd) is the celebration of the returning light, growth and fertility. It’s a perfect time to align with the seasons by taking it slow, resting and reviving ourselves. And allowing time and space for reflection. Thinking back on last year, which moments would I like to recreate? What am I grateful for? Where would I like to be this time next year?
Remembering that motivation comes from within, what might we do to invite this restorative opportunity? A figurative ‘planting bulbs’ in our life’s garden of what we’d like to grow and bloom. Imbolc is the halfway point between winter and spring. A time of reflection and hibernation without the impulse to rush time. Extra candles lit for pleasure and symbolism. Blankets and pillows like a nest of comfort to languish in. Whatever your Winter haven looks like, embrace it a little longer than usual. Look for the moments and experiences that will give you a sense of forward momentum and purpose.
Consider connecting with the Earth and Nature to deepen your understanding of these energies. Perhaps bundle up and take a walk in your favorite woods. Start some seedlings indoors. Notice the sunrise and sunset colors as each day transitions. Maybe put out a bird feeder near a window, offering seed when there is little available during this part of the year and connect with these amazing winged messengers. You could make homemade seed balls! One method is to combine healthy (no sugar or salt) peanut butter with flour or oats, roll them into balls and then roll them generously in mixed seeds suitable for birds. Or, collect pine cones, seed heads or other natural objects, fill with peanut butter and then a coating of seeds before hanging them from branches with twine.
Other ways to consciously connect to this halfway point customarily is to place a broom by the door, symbolizing the cleaning out of old ways, thoughts, practices or cupboards – making way for new life! In the natural world, this is not the time to rush into a busy time of activity. It’s not rewarding to chastise ourselves or pressure efforts toward high performance. Now is the time to “ready the Earth” before planting. If you think in those terms and invite your own sense what best supports you with kindness, non-judgement, and compassion?
Personally I find this perspective about this time of year, both resonating with my natural instincts and triggering my awareness of conditioning. The end of the calendar year is dark and cold, sometimes also bringing rough weather – and once I make it through the holidays I’m ready to recuperate! Work schedules don’t generally align with seasonal changes, so it’s up to me to find other adaptations. Like heading to bed an hour earlier, or sipping a warm beverage before bed to unwind even more. Lately I’ve been lighting a candle on my altar (in my room), just for me as a love offering to myself and other teachers represented on my altar! We often notice what we don’t have a choice over – but how often do we choose to notice what we DO have a choice over?