Standing Still in the Silence of the Solstice
Here are two timely messages I received yesterday, from two bright lights in the Anusara Yoga community - they are such beautiful reflections on the Winter Solstice that I want to share their insights with all of you.
The first of these was sent to a friend and colleague by Stephan Bodian, the author of the book - Wake Up Now, that I wrote about back in the late summer. The second comes from BJ Galvan's newsletter, Shakti Flash...
"In the depths of the darkness, light appears. Out of the emptiness, form arises. In times of greatest loss, we discover the treasure that gain and loss cannot touch. This is the essential message of the Winter Solstice holidays. The baby Jesus symbolizes the Divine potential bursting into manifestation. The light that burned for eight days in the temple of the Jews, even though they had oil enough for just one, signifies the boundless radiance of our essential Self.
As we reach the darkest day of the year, we have an opportunity to allow everything extra to drop away and strip down to bare essentials the true Silence of 'Silent Night,' the authentic light of the Festival of Lights. May we take this moment to reflect on the miracle and the joy of Being, on the Nothing that is Everything that is ever shining forth in the depths of the Heart."
- Stephan Bodian
Solstice - Sun Standing Still
"This season is all about the Light. Just about every civilization, tradition and religious belief system has some historical connection to ritual celebration of Light at this time of year.
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice invites us into the cozy hearth fire of our own soul. The sun stands still as the Goddess delivers the physical sun from the depths of the longest night. It is a time that invites us to dive deeply into our inner light to assess and reflect on the dissolving year. We reflect on ourselves, our life, who we've been and how skillfully we've maneuvered the waves on life's ocean. How did you receive your year, all the churnings of life, the blessings of what we wanted and the things you might not have consciously preferred or chosen?
This is the threshold through which the cold birth of winter ignites our dreams in the warm sanctuary within. We are called to plant the seeds of our intentions, prayers, dreams, and deepest longings to steep in the fertile embrace of our own heart. As days begin to grow longer towards the coming year, those germinating seeds emerge into expression in our outer lives. The Universe can only take you as far as you can imagine, dream and desire. What will yours be?
Who will you become by December 2009? What will your contribution have been and how will you have offered the gifts only you can offer? What is your vision for yourself, your community and the world? How and what will you do to help ensure the evolution of yourself, your vision and your world?
It is my deepest wish and prayer that in these times of intense planetary shift and inner journeying, we all can invoke our inner wisdom to make the best choices as visionaries to move fearlessly into the unknown. May you carry the teachings in your Heart, lighting your way, nurturing and cultivating your prayers, longings and intentions into beautiful New Year manifestations of beauty for yourself, your family, the Kula, and the planet.
Big Solstice Blessings of Love, Joy and Bright Light from within for these Holy Days and every day throughout the New Year!
Maha Love & Bright Light to you always,
BJ"
"Light is Love at rest, Love is Light in motion." - Wah!I
Check out BJ's website:
www.bjgalvan.com
The first of these was sent to a friend and colleague by Stephan Bodian, the author of the book - Wake Up Now, that I wrote about back in the late summer. The second comes from BJ Galvan's newsletter, Shakti Flash...
"In the depths of the darkness, light appears. Out of the emptiness, form arises. In times of greatest loss, we discover the treasure that gain and loss cannot touch. This is the essential message of the Winter Solstice holidays. The baby Jesus symbolizes the Divine potential bursting into manifestation. The light that burned for eight days in the temple of the Jews, even though they had oil enough for just one, signifies the boundless radiance of our essential Self.
As we reach the darkest day of the year, we have an opportunity to allow everything extra to drop away and strip down to bare essentials the true Silence of 'Silent Night,' the authentic light of the Festival of Lights. May we take this moment to reflect on the miracle and the joy of Being, on the Nothing that is Everything that is ever shining forth in the depths of the Heart."
- Stephan Bodian
Solstice - Sun Standing Still
"This season is all about the Light. Just about every civilization, tradition and religious belief system has some historical connection to ritual celebration of Light at this time of year.
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice invites us into the cozy hearth fire of our own soul. The sun stands still as the Goddess delivers the physical sun from the depths of the longest night. It is a time that invites us to dive deeply into our inner light to assess and reflect on the dissolving year. We reflect on ourselves, our life, who we've been and how skillfully we've maneuvered the waves on life's ocean. How did you receive your year, all the churnings of life, the blessings of what we wanted and the things you might not have consciously preferred or chosen?
This is the threshold through which the cold birth of winter ignites our dreams in the warm sanctuary within. We are called to plant the seeds of our intentions, prayers, dreams, and deepest longings to steep in the fertile embrace of our own heart. As days begin to grow longer towards the coming year, those germinating seeds emerge into expression in our outer lives. The Universe can only take you as far as you can imagine, dream and desire. What will yours be?
Who will you become by December 2009? What will your contribution have been and how will you have offered the gifts only you can offer? What is your vision for yourself, your community and the world? How and what will you do to help ensure the evolution of yourself, your vision and your world?
It is my deepest wish and prayer that in these times of intense planetary shift and inner journeying, we all can invoke our inner wisdom to make the best choices as visionaries to move fearlessly into the unknown. May you carry the teachings in your Heart, lighting your way, nurturing and cultivating your prayers, longings and intentions into beautiful New Year manifestations of beauty for yourself, your family, the Kula, and the planet.
Big Solstice Blessings of Love, Joy and Bright Light from within for these Holy Days and every day throughout the New Year!
Maha Love & Bright Light to you always,
BJ"
"Light is Love at rest, Love is Light in motion." - Wah!I
Check out BJ's website:
www.bjgalvan.com
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