Co-Creative Mentoring LLC Sheryl Harrell, MAA.B.S., EFT Cert.
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Welcome to the Season of Resting, Dreaming, and Being

12/21/2021

 
It's possible, even in the midst of anything, of everything, to turn towards joy. To invite tranquility. To invite softness. To receive it wherever it may be found.
                                                                            Geneen Roth

As the seasons change, so do our lives.


Today is the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (and

Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere). The cycle of the

Great Mandala is complete. In Nature's stillness, allow yourself

to savor fulfillment.


So … we’re in the cold season--the shortest days of the year.

This is the season for meditation, sacred practices, and using

our tools for growing inner strength for reconnecting with your

most tranquil and essential self. These days are for sleeping

and snuggling. For going slow. Drinking hot tea. Dreaming by

the fire.  Trusting the light will return, in due time.


Modern society and the demands we put on ourselves, can

keep us from our most important work in winter: Reclaiming

tranquility… and feeling balance and joy, calm and connected.

It’s a cruel irony that right now, when our spirits need rest, we’re

also in the craziness (and fun) of the holiday season.


Winter can be such a difficult season for so many of us. The

long, dark days can feel very heavy and depressing. Unlike the

song "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", it can be a really

challenging time.  I think a big part of that disconnect is because

we're not aligned with Nature's rhythms, the seasonal energy.

Instead we're working against it and because of that, it's

creating a lot of dis-ease in our spirits.


The good news: We can choose to focus on self-care. When

you're aligned with the natural cycles, the energy is so

supportive, so deeply nurturing to your spirit--when you allow it.

The most ancient spiritual wisdom was centered around the

predictable shifts in seasonal rhythms that govern all of life. With

mindful awareness, we can draw on a multitude of healing

blessings available to us each day during this (and each) cycle

of the year.



Each month this year we've journeyed along the Pathway to

Oneness, exploring the natural rhythm of each season, honoring

and celebrating nature. You've learned monthly practices

designed to connect you to the energies and blessings of each

season. This season’s energy of rest is vital for restoring our

energy and after the outward-focused months of summer and

facing our shadows in the fall. We need winter’s rest to prepare

our spirit for the return of the growing months ahead when we'll

explore the Pathway to Unity (the Co-Creative Mandala theme

for 2022).

Picture
Four Essential Blessings:


When thinking about following any spiritual path toward

remembering our Wholeness and all that entails, I'm reminded

of our basic need for connection. According to scientist,

psychologist, and spiritual seeker Dr. Joan Borysenko

there four essential blessings of deep connection that every

human being needs to feel tranquil and whole:


    1. Connection to your essential self--your true nature, your     

     Wholeness.
   
   
     2. Connection to the beauty and biorhythms of nature--the

     nurturing energy and cycles of the Great Mandala.
   
   
     3. Connection to the present moment--mindful awareness,

     self-compassion, and self-love.
   
    
     4. Connection to infinite spirit--Source.



The Winter Solstice is a particularly powerful time for slowing

down and reflecting on those essential blessings. In order to

make the connection to our inner and outer blessings, our

resources, rest is really important soul work right now. This is

the time to reflect on what we're ready to release and to dream

about our intentions and hopes for ourselves, others, and the

world in the new year.   Lafayette, Colorado poet and author

Mary Saracino describes the solstice as, the “night of unfurling

desires” in her poem "Winter Solstice Prayer".

Deep night, Dark night
Night of the longest sigh
Soulful night, Sacred night
Night of the longest dreams
Cold night, Holy night
Night of unfurling desires
Womb of the world, Birther of hope
Bringer of peace and good will
Pray, pray for all good things
That suffering for all will end
That life will thrive and generosity reign
In the hearts of all humankind
That joy will rise and children will fly
On wings of prosperity
Oh hear our plea, this silent night
When the moon is round in the sky
When hopes are high and eyes are wide
with delight and audacity
May Love prevail tonight, and always
Leading us back to our Source
May we dance with the dark, without hesitation or fear
And savor her promise of plenty
Deep night
Dark night
Night of the longest sigh
May our weary hearts stay vigilant and receptive
To all that is loving and dear

Picture
Finding tranquility in the chaos:

Adapted from The Seasonal Soul



In the midst of the holiday madness (even if we don't participate

in it, we can still feel the collective energy) I'm offering these

practical tips for finding tranquility so that you remember to stay

calm, peaceful, present, and relaxed over the next few days and

weeks so you can more fully experience the natural rhythm of

the winter season.



1. Make self-care your number one priority.

Take extra gentle care of yourself. Doing good things for

yourself will keep you centered. Just as important--practice self-

compassion.


2. Slow down & breathe.

Literally, slow down. Walk slow. Drive slow.

Take several deep breaths. (Exaggerated, deep belly breaths.)

You can do this in traffic, in a shopping mall–anytime you feel

out of alignment with the seasonal energy.


3. Set boundaries. "No" isn't a four letter word.

Be super protective of your energy. Remind yourself that self-

care is your number one priority.

And, you know what … people who care about you get it. And

usually they feel more empowered to protect their own energy in

the same way.


4. It's okay to be mediocre. (GASP!)

When you start to envision those perfect scenarios, the perfect

holiday things-traditions, crafts, activities, meals. STOP. Remind

yourself that what matters most is feeling rested so that you are

present for sharing the love and spontaneity with your family

and friends. May you be gloriously mediocre and totally in the

moment!


5. Savor the small things.

 
Step outside (literally) of the whirlwind, pause and really notice

all the beautiful, magical things about this time of year. Take in

the sights, sounds, tastes, and scents you love about the

season.  


Even if you only incorporate one of these tips, you'll be that

much closer to finding tranquility even in the chaos.



The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Tranquility",  from a photo of

Pine (symbolizes strength), Blue spruce (symbolizes

resilience), and Snow (symbolizes tranquility) reminds us that

no matter how dark it gets, there’s always a spark of light. The

light will always return. A new day will always begin.  Each

season and its inherent healing blessings contribute a vital part

to the wholeness of your life. The mandala revolves eternally,

offering continual opportunity for our personal evolution

throughout all the seasons of our lives. Welcome this new turn

of the Great Mandala with an open mind and an open heart.

Picture
In the darkness, new dreams are born.
Bring darkness to the Light and chaos to tranquility.

Tranquility Practice


Intention:


The real power of the exercise is the intention you place behind

it. This exercise is a powerful tool for clarifying and manifesting

your dreams and desires. When we give attention to our hopes

and intentions and then do something tangible to represent

them, we begin to make them real. As you send your intentions

out to the Universe you are creating a powerful affirmation for

yourself.


You'll need your journal and an unlit candle.


Before you begin the practice:


First, invest some time reflecting on the winter energy and its

invitation to rest, dream, and be.Write in your journal.


1. How will you allow yourself to rest in the fertile darkness this

Winter? How will you nurture yourself? How will you practice

self-care and self-compassion?


Now, reflect on the past year. Autumn was all about reflecting on

the things, people and/or beliefs you were ready to release from

your life.


2. What are the remaining things, people, beliefs you’re shaking

off? What feels good to release from this year?


Next, reflecting on the year ending and and a new year

beginning that brings new hopes and intentions.


3. What seeds of new beginnings are you already starting to

dream about? What ideas are coming up for the new year?

Get really clear & very specific about what you’d like to

draw into your life. (The clearer you are the more power

the exercise will hold).



The Practice:


1. Take a few deep breaths to ground and center.

Take your time here. Don’t rush. Take several deep breaths and

use any grounding technique that works for you.


I like to imagine a root extending from the base of my spine and

growing deep into the Earth.


Invest a few minutes feeling the Earth energy traveling up your

root, through your body and all your chakras. Imagine that

energy bursting through your crown chakra and extending far

into the heavens. Feel the Source energy entering your body

through your crown chakra.


Sit here for a few minutes, feel yourself connected to Source.


2. Focus your attention on the "Tranquility" mandala.

Feel its vibration. Allow the "Tranquility" vibration to flow through

your body, bringing you calmness and peace.


Ask the mandala to support you, and to absorb the limiting

beliefs you want to leave behind with the old year.


As you think about what you want to leave behind, let your

thoughts flow into the mandala. Give the mandala the darkness

so that from the darkness the light can return.


3. Hold your unlit candle in your hands.

Close your eyes and think about all the hopes and dreams you

have for the new year.

As you hold your candle say out loud what you wrote about your

intentions and dreams for the new year. Read aloud what you

wrote. Don’t hold back. The clearer you are, the more energy

you will give the candle.


As you hold the candle, ask the Universe to hear your call. Ask

for help bringing your dreams to life, for support in realizing your

own power.


4. Place your candle somewhere it can safely burn all the way

down.


5. Light your candle and say a prayer:


Say a prayer that all your hopes will manifest with the flame of

this fire. Ask for all your limiting beliefs to be burned away. Ask

for this Solstice flame to light the spark of your intentions and

dreams for the year, and to give you the strength, resilience,

and tranquility to bring them to life.


Spend a few moments in meditation. You may choose to use the

"Tranquility" mandala as a focal point. Notice and wonder...


Close your eyes or gaze into the flame of your candle. Send a

silent prayer of thanks to the Universe and to your guides and

visible and invisible supporters.
 


Wishing you the blessings of Nature throughout the Winter

season.


Tranquility and joy to your seeking heart,


Picture

Are you ready to embody powerful, healing Winter Solstice Light?

12/21/2020

 
Luminosity...like touching the very heart
of your being, your reality, your very essence
without a shadow of doubt.
It is a radiant, shining core of Presence-
Awareness, of Existence itself.
                                                                 
Angelo Gerangelo

The holidays are upon us! This is the Season of Light: The

Season of Shining: The Season of Dreaming: The Season of

Hoping: The Season of Healing.


If ever there was a time when we're longing for Luminosity, for

peace on earth, and for goodwill toward all, it is this year. It is

right now.


Humanity has been celebrating the turning of the earth and the

shift of seasons from our earliest days. The Winter Solstice is a

point of change for us, a marker of time passing, and a

celebration of both the gifts of the darkness and the return of the

sunlight.  Since ancient times, communities across the world

have gathered to honor and celebrate the changing of the

seasons. The Winter Solstice represents the ending of one

cycle… and the beginning of another. Celebratory moments like

the Solstice play a vital role in helping revitalize community spirit

and affirm health and well-being for the coming year. Celebrated

since ancient times, across cultures worldwide, Winter Solstice

(and other festivals of light) is an auspicious time of year when

the stars (and this year, the planets, too )
align in such a way

that the Light of the cosmos shines on the Earth - and our

consciousness - in a healing pattern for transformation.  This

potent concentration of Light brings Luminosity to our mind,

body, and spirit and guides us toward awakening and

remembering our wholeness ("holy-ness") during this powerful

and sacred time. Aligning with the amazing and transformational

energies offers an opportune and miraculous moment for a

profound energetic shift from darkness to light.

Picture
What rests in this darkness? When the darkness comes, the

stars begin to shine. Embracing the darkness, even dancing in

it, is an essential part of birthing the Light.  And in so doing, we

take a monumental step forward by mindfully shifting our

consciousness toward a fresh start in 2021.  As we lean into the

rich darkness at this cold, dark time of year we are tuning into

one of the natural cycles that support the easiest, most powerful

personal growth work we can do – It's Nature. It's the way our

energy & our lives are SUPPOSED to flow. We're just

remembering what this natural rhythm is. And honoring what we

need for remembering Luminosity--the Light that is both

experienced within and manifested in the world.


Many plants, like tulips, daffodils, iris, and apple trees, would not

blossom in the springtime were it not for this period of

dormancy. This is a period of true transformation. Are you ready

to be revitalized, refreshed and renewed during this amazing

time?


For over fifty years I've been celebrating Winter Solstice. I've

always loved those celebrations, the candles, the moments of

reflection, and the hopefulness that the rituals inspire. I invite

your to celebrate this time by honoring the darkness and

embodying this pristine and sacred Light and co-creating a

Season of Light for yourself, filled with empowerment, hope, and

beautiful dreams for your future. We have an opportunity to go

inward - both individually and collectively - and embody the

Light and healing frequencies available at this time, to heal

ourselves - and the planet - with sacred Luminosity and love.


We are moving toward fulfilling the greatest experience on Earth

– that of awakening to our Wholeness. Being with the darkness,

the silence, and discovering what lies ahead takes courage.

Your reflections may reveal what's necessary for the journey

toward the future. Open your heart and consciousness to the

experience of the Light pouring into the Earth and share in

celebration of the collective Truth that we are all Whole. Even

though we may be separated physically from one another - we

are one in Spirit.


Both darkness and daylight are critical to nature, and to our

inner and outer growth. Life cannot exist without both, without

the moon and the sun! The darkness offers rest, dreams, an

exploration of our shadow side, while the sun brings warmth, a

reawakening of life, and hope for another day. Wholeness

requires that we honor both.



I love Charlie Murphy's (1953-2016) 1984 song, “Light is

Returning"
. It's a perfect reminder that even in the darkest

time, there is hope. Charlie Murphy was a folk singer/songwriter,

a pioneering musician who promoted gay rights and challenged

sexism. His song is often used during celebrations around the

winter solstice. The lyrics speak to any person or any society

facing difficult times and still remain hopeful for a better future.



Here’s a simple journaling exercise you can use to

acknowledge the darkness and the light  (Adapted from a

presentation by Collette Barron Reid):




Honoring the Darkness

1. Meditate on what the darkness means to you, and the gifts it

brings. We have the opportunity to turn within, to “hibernate” in

our cocoons of warmth as we wait for the sunlight to return.


2. Explore the concept of rest. Without some quiet deep rest, we

would have no dreams, no growth, no gestation period. Rest

might look different for all of us, but it always involves

disconnecting from the pressures to “produce.”


Journal about what rest feels like to you. Consider what you

want to leave behind at the end of 2020.  



Welcoming the Light

3. Meditate on what sunlight means to you, and the gifts it

brings. With the return of the longer daylight, we’re reminded of

the life force within every living being. I love this quote from

NASA: “The Sun warms our seas, stirs our atmosphere,

generates our weather patterns, and gives energy to the

growing green plants that provide the food and oxygen for life

on Earth.” With the growing daylight, our spirits and energy rise!


4. Explore the concept of light. The Sun is the source of all

energy. We appreciate its power more when we’ve been without

it! Light candles or turn on the holiday lights that may be in your

home this season. Let it be a reminder of the coming return of

the Sun, and the gifts it brings.


Journal about the connection of daylight and hope. How can you

keep your light lit in the darkness?  Start dreaming about what

you want to create and invite into your life in 2021. What are

ways you can renew yourself by grounding and creating sacred

space for co-creating a world you envision?



As the Great Round turns, the celebrations along the way

invite us to pay attention to the natural cycles taking place

around us- and reflect on how they deeply influence and

enhance our lives as members of the natural world. During this

Solstice season, we have an opportunity to pay close attention

to how the lowest point of the Sun draws us inward.  Winter

Solstice rituals are often associated with release and letting go,

taking time to reflect on the past year, and welcoming the new.


This Co-Creative Mandala "Luminosity" from a photograph of a

dahlia reminds us that we are both the Light and and the

recipients of the Light. We all have an amazing light within. It's

time to let that light shine brightly to bring healing, love, and

Light to the world by acknowledging your presence and

purpose.

Picture
The gift of light we thankfully take
But not shall it be alone for our sake
The more we give light
The one to the other
It shines and it spreads
and it glows still further
Until every spark by friends set aflame
Until every heart with joy to proclaim
In the depths of our souls
a shining sun glows.

                                                       Anonymous

Luminosity Exercise:

In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate

Luminosity and feel supported by your inner and outer

resources.  Honor this powerful time of darkness and return of

Light.


Intention:

1. Connect with and call in Luminosity as a vehicle for

transformation and letting go of all unwanted energies.


2. Infuse your body, mind, and spirit with the energies of

Luminosity for the purpose of allowing shadows to transform

into radiant light.


Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive

deeply into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless   

your sacred space.


Make this exercise your own. Invest your time and attention.


Don’t rush.
 

As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes

Luminosity; "the state of producing or reflecting bright light,

appearing to shine".  What does Luminosity mean to you?


Close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath; just be

with your breath. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out. Take

another deep breath in. Breathe out. Notice the sensations as

you exhale—without judgement.  Feel the body breathing. Bring

your body into stillness.


Open your eyes and bring your attention to the Luminosity

mandala; allow the mandala energy to fill your heart; be with

whatever is there.


Invest a few minutes toward allowing the Luminosity energy to

flow to and through your body.  Imagine that energy bursting

through your crown chakra and extending far into the heavens.


Imagine the Luminosity energy flowing through you and down

deep into the earth. Imagine it radiating from your heart and

extending out in front of you and behind you. Imagine the

Luminosity energy is a radiant ball that encircles you.


Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.


What about the Luminosity mandala captures your attention?


Notice and Wonder--Something in me is feeling...


I wonder what it wants me to know?
 

Relax into your body and its quietness. Be with the energy, be

present, listen:


1. Speak aloud a prayer or intention that releases any and all

unwanted energies, beliefs, or thoughts that no longer serve so

that they may be dissolved and changed into the radiant light of

Luminosity. Enter into stillness, accept what is, and release

the burdens of this year so you can be a light in the world. Draw

in "Luminosity" into your body by cupping your hands  and

passing them over your entire body, from crown to feet, saying:

“I am a keeper of Luminosity".


2. Sit in silence and stillness for some time with Luminosity,

and visualize its warmth and light radiating out from your heart,

encompassing the whole Earth. See yourself as a burst of light

in the darkness. Appreciate the deep desire to connect with the

sacred – within you and in all of humanity. You have the power t

to create real change in the world. And this moment is requiring

that you step into your purpose, to be a radiant, luminous sun

that brings light to the darkness.


To the outside world it doesn’t look like anything’s happening at

this time of year. Life is still and quiet; there’s no movement.

And yet … deep in the dark, a quiet transformation is

happening. This is the transformation you and all of nature, are

undergoing throughout winter. . The daylight hours are short; the

trees are bare. Everything appears dead or frozen. You don’t

see anything meaningful happening. But in the darkness, hidden

inside or deep underground, a magical transformation is

occurring.


The winter solstice is the moment when the Earth begins tilting

back toward the sun and the days begin getting longer. In the

natural world, this season is the beginning of a new cycle of

growth. That makes this moment a really hopeful, inspiring time

on the Great Round; it's a time of infinite possibilities. The new

spark that is lit on the winter solstice, this tiny flame of

inspiration, has the potential to grow into anything.


The winter solstice is nature's reminder, that even when life is a

its darkest – as dark as it can get – the tiniest spark of light, the

faintest glimmer of Luminosity, of hope remain and will blossom

and grow into something beautiful next spring.


Wishing you joy and peace during this Season of Hope and

Light.  

Picture

Winter Solstice: The Blessings of Namaste'

12/22/2019

 
For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we are in the midst

of the shortest days of the year.  This is a time when many

people turn toward personal reflection and spiritual practice. It's

easy to get caught up in the busyness that comes with the

season, forgetting that this is a natural time for rest.  As

humans, we are intertwined with the cycles and rhythms of

nature. As with all things in nature, we need a regenerative

cycle that re-calibrates and restores our energy.  Being quiet

and still is the natural way to be, particularly at the darkest time

of year. It's crucial to align with the seasonal energies of the

Winter Solstice, the return of light, as the sun turns once

again toward lengthening the daylight hours.




All the world stories, myths, and science tell us that light is the

source and beginning of life. From sacred traditions we hear

about the presence of Source (or God or Christ or the Buddha

within), the many names for Wholeness. They are reminders

that are never separate from light, the presence and expression

of our true nature. This is a time for us to intentionally focus on

celebrating and remembering the light that is always with us; for

honoring our inner light and lighting our inner candle.




All humans share the ability to generate light from within, even if

we don't always express or acknowledge it. This power is

released through love; this love creates the space in which light

can manifest. When we love and accept ourselves and extend

that love into the world, the world begins to glow. Our inner light

evokes light; our light changes the environment--like bringing a

candle into a dark room. Letting our light shine often requires

intention and practice.  The more conscious we are, the greater

the overflow of light. The more intentional we are, the more our

inner light blesses everyone and everything around us.


Picture
Our destiny is about co-

creating with the material

world and bringing forth

our inner light by

remembering our

Wholeness so that others

remember theirs. Focusing

on bringing our inner light

to the world around us is the expression of Namaste'--"the light

in me, my overflowing light, connects with and honors the light

in everyone and everything around me."


We're at a time when many of us feel the call to bring our inner

light into the world. Even the smallest acts can bring blessings

and lift up the energy around us. We know it when we

receive/see it--a smile, a caring word, a kindness that stays with

us long after the encounter. Recently, I was in a long line at the

post office, waiting to mail a package. I was feeling antsy

because it seemed like the line (there were at least 25 people

ahead of me) was at a standstill or at best moving along at a

snail's pace. As I was feeling a bit cranky, a woman in front of

me began chatting with the people around her, making jokes

about how long the line was, and sharing funny stories.  The

tension in the air softened as everyone around her laughed and

started chatting and before I knew it, we were at the end of the

line (in this case, reaching the end of the line was a good thing).

When she finished her transaction--the woman turned to the

people still in the long line, waved her receipt in the air and with

her contagious joy said--"You can do it! Don't lose hope!" I

noticed that many people smiled and laughed. I can't help but

think that her playfulness stayed with those people beyond the

line at the post office. I know I still feel the glow of it and the

memory makes me smile.



Sometimes we may think there's nothing we can do to help our

world. Simple acts of kindness and being a loving presence are

always possibilities. It's not always easy to love, but we can

choose to. It comes down to consciously choosing to love

ourselves and extend our "love-light" in to the world. This Co-

Creative Mandala, “Inner Light” invites you to honor the light

within. The following exercise offers an opportunity to remember

your Wholeness and extend Namaste’ to the world.



Picture
The love within us is meant to extend outward.

The closer we grow to our inner light,

we feel a natural urge to share it...

by which the energies within us

might flow out to help heal the world. 


Marianne Williamson



Hospitality Exercise:*


In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate

your inner light and extend it to others. You can bring the light

to the world anytime by offering this Blessing of Hospitality.


Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive deeply

into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless your

sacred space for doing this exercise throughout the season.

Come back to this exercise as often as you like. You can do it

any time you feel inspired to extend your inner light to the world.

Make it your own.


As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes

peace, love, inclusivity, and community.


Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths.


Now, open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a few

minutes toward allowing the “Inner Light” energy to flow to and

through your body.  Imagine that energy bursting through your

crown chakra & extending far into the heavens. Imagine the

“Inner Light” energy flowing through you and down deep into the

earth. Imagine it radiating from your solar plexus and extending

out in front of you and behind you. Imagine the "Inner Light"

energy is a radiant ball that encircles you. Now, sit with this

energy for a few minutes. 


What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...


I wonder what it wants me to know?


Relax into to your body and its quietness.



Now, imagine that you are hosting a gathering in your home.

Extend you inner light, a feeling of welcome, so guests feel safe

and surrounded by love. Extend the spirit of hospitality into all

the rooms around you, fill the space with your inner light. 

Welcome into the space the individuals who may be feeling a

sense of fear about the world around us--imagine who they are

and what they might be afraid of. Invite and welcome these

people into a space of loving hospitality, embraced by calm,

safety and appreciation of who they are. Extend a spirit of

blessing, honor who they are. Let your inner light, the spirit of

hospitality and caring flow out to them. Notice what is happening

in your body, as you offer welcome and caring for their well-

being.


What do you notice, about yourself and who you called forth?


Now, let them go. Trust that the hospitality, the love, caring,

peace, and warm embrace you offered goes with them and

extends to each person on our beautiful planet.



Lifting the spirits of everyone around is co-creation in action. At

the end of the day, your inner orientation, tending to your inner

light, loving yourself, and being a "love-light" for others is up to

you.  You aren't alone. Even though it is up to each one of us to

tend to our inner state of being, thank goodness we have each

other. Remember the reach of your kindness, your smile, your

joy, your light makes a difference in the world.


Peace and joy to your seeking heart.


Namaste’,

Picture
* Adapted from a presentation by Julie Spangler

Let Your Light Shine! Part 2

12/21/2018

 
Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.

Today I'm brimming over with gratitude...Gratitude for you and

the exquisite circle of spirit-friends who are part of the Co-

Creative Mandalas community. So thank you, thank you, thank

you for all you do to remember your Wholeness and to bring

your Light to the world! Thank you for sharing your gifts

generously with the world, in whatever way you do. I feel

comforted by your presence.


I'm grateful for our collective wisdom that brings us to this

precious moment of waking up; and for life filled with

opportunities to grow; and for our strength to dance with shadow

& Light. So a shout out to you all (each and every one)...may

gratitude open and fill your heart on this Winter Solstice and

throughout the holiday season...


What better time to offer a simple  "Wow!" and "Thank You!" 

than this time of year. November brought the opportunity to

celebrate Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity during Diwali; the

beginning of December gave us Hanukkah and the celebration

of light  and today, in the Northern Hemisphere, is the Winter

Solstice. I love this time of year with all the opportunities for

celebrating inner and outer Light.


The holidays don't hold the same meaning for everyone, even

though many traditions celebrate the Light during this
time of

year.

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I've been celebrating Winter

Solstice for nearly 40 years.  The

first celebration took place with

friends who lived outside of

Roseburg, Oregon. Martha and

Alan laid a cedar bough spiral on

the ground, under a star-lit sky, with

one lit candle standing in the center

of the spiral, a reminder that even in the darkness there is

always the Light. Each of us walked the spiral to the center and

lit our own candles. As we returned around the spiral, we carried

our candles, placing them somewhere along the spiral. When

we each had completed our journey to the center and back, the

entire spiral was illuminated with our individual and collective

Light. It was magic!  Such rituals are done all over the world on

the longest night as the darkness is vanquished and the Light

returns. Magical, indeed.


Christmas is also magical for me, even if it's a bit more

complicated--what with the commercialism that often begins

before Halloween, the expectations for the "perfect" gift or

event. I love
transforming our home with sparkling lights

and color, of sharing love and the joy of being together, and

bringing gifts to each other. It's a time set aside to remember

that we are all sparks of Light and Love walking the planet. I still

send handwritten holiday greetings because it's a time of

thinking of others. 



For those of us keenly aware of the cycle of the seasons, the

Winter Solstice is the day on which the rest of the year

pivots...At the Summer Solstice, I experienced all the abundant

energy that comes with bright sunlight and long days, which

called me outside and into activity late into the bright night of the

longest day of the year. Now, the journey around the sun

inspires me to breathe in and sit with myself and enjoy a time of

reflection and stillness when the world sleeps, and I slow down

in preparation for the returning Light.



As we enter the winter season, we remember that it's like the

chrysalis stage in the evolution of the butterfly. This is the time

when the caterpillar is wrapped up quietly, in the dark of her

cocoon. It doesn’t look like anything’s happening. Deep inside, a

quiet transformation is beginning. The caterpillar is evolving,

preparing to emerge as a magnificent butterfly.


All of nature, including us, is undergoing this same

transformation throughout winter. To the outside world life is still

& quiet. The days are short; the trees are bare; Earth is asleep.

Everything appears to be dead or frozen. You can't see that

something meaningful happening. Hidden inside you or deep

underground, a magical transformation is occurring.  Whether or

not  you can see it in nature and in your life, your spirit and

Earth are undergoing a significant transformation.


I invite you to be like the caterpillar. Wrap yourself snuggly in

your cocoon, and simply rest. Rest. Rest. Rest. No work is

required.



This inward stillness offers an opportunity to envision changes I

want to see in my life, for clearing inner and outer clutter and

creating spaciousness. Every time I pause, reflect, and let go of

what no longer serves me, I see well-being in all areas of my

life.


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The journey around the sun is nearly complete.

Embrace the grace and ease of the season.

This is the time of Restoration.

Allow the stillness to guide you.


Restoration Exercise:

Bring your dreams to life. This exercise will help you open

yourself to the positivity & possibilities of the holiday season and

the coming New Year. It’s designed to help you honor and leave

behind whatever doesn’t serve you and to bring your Light to the

season and to the New Year.


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout the holidays,  the winter season and in to

the New Year. Come back to this exercise as often as you like.

Make it your own.


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is holding on and one for that part of you

that is letting go.
 

Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths.  
 

Open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a

few minutes toward feeling the “Restoration” energy traveling

through your body & all your chakras. Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens. Now, feel the “Restoration” energy entering your

body through your crown chakra. Sit with this energy for a few

minutes, feel yourself connected to the mandala energy.

 
What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

 
I wonder what it wants me to know?
 

Begin asking yourself the following questions; acknowledge

whatever is holding you and holding you back. This helps train

your brain to see yourself in a different light.
 

Reflect on the year that’s ending & your hopes for the New

Year.



     1. What do you want to leave behind with the old year? What

no longer serves you? What keeps your Light from shining in

the world?


 
Let your Light encase all that you are holding on to. 

Honor whatever is holding you back and remember that it

served you at one time. When you're ready, allow yourself to let

go.



     2. What do you want to keep that supports your next journey

around the sun? 
What are your strengths and gifts? What ways

do you bring your Light to the world?




    3. What are your hopes & wishes for the New Year?
 

What are you already starting to dream about? What ideas are

coming up for your life in the New Year? What ways will you

share your Light with the world?
 

Get really clear & very specific about what you’d like to draw

into your life. The clearer you are the more power the exercise

will hold. Read your hopes and wishes out loud.


This exercise is an act of self-love, the cornerstone of a

miraculous life. During this holiday season it may be hard to let

your Light shine when you’re stressed about money, worried

about gatherings and tensions in your family, or burned out with

end-of-the-year deadlines.


Here’s a quick suggestion to bring you back to a place of self-

love in an instant….no matter how stressed you feel:

Simply close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and

breathe into that area. Then silently ask yourself the question,

“What’s the most loving thing I could do for myself right now?”

Your answer might be something as simple as taking some

deep breaths or drinking some water. It might be saying “no” to

a recent request or speaking up for yourself. Or it might be to

come back to the "Restoration" mandala as a reminder to stop,

breathe, and appreciate the gift of this season.


It may seem odd that I'm suggesting that you stop and ask

yourself this question when you’re in the midst of so much to do,

but it just takes a few seconds, and it brings you back to your

heart and to your Light. And when we take care of ourselves,

everything else flows more easily and we have more space to

let our Light shine.


May your days be filled with love, deep peace and Light during

this holiday season and beyond.


Blessings, 


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Wishing you joy and peace during the holiday season and throughout the new year.

12/21/2016

 

The Great Shout of Joy!

 
Today, at 3:45 AM MST, officially marks the first day of winter in

the Northern Hemisphere.  The word solstice comes from Latin

sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still).  In ancient times, people

believed that on this day the sun stood still.  The

seasonal holiday of Winter Solstice is also an actual event that

occurs with the planet. When the planet’s tilt in the Northern

Hemispher is the farthest from the sun, that's when the Winter

Solstice happens. It is the shortest day of the year, but Winter

Solstice celebrations focus on the fact that the days will now

slowly grow longer and we celebrate the rebirth of a new year.



Winter Solstice is a time of quiet firelight, a time to nurture

dreams.  The dark clear nights reveal the bright stars. We

celebrate the shortest day and the longest night of the year in

anticipation of the rebirth of the sun and contemplate our own

spiritual rebirth.  We see this time of year as a turning point and

a time of year to renew energy.



I look out the window and see the garden boxes buried in a

layer of snow.  The soil lies dormant, patiently waiting for the

warmer and brighter days of spring.  The resting soil of the cold

winter days and nights reminds me that the future always holds

promise.  Come spring, seeds will germinate and take root.

Likewise, I believe the future will manifest our visions and

dreams.



For now, while we wait for the rebirth of the sun, we stand still.

Winter Solstice is a time of reflection, a time to light the wood

stove, stoke up the heat, soak in the warmth, sit quietly

surrounded by lit candles, delve into a good novel, and dream.



I invite you to begin and end this special once-a-year-day with

this prayer by Edward Hays from Prayers for a Planetary

Pilgrim
.


 
A Winter Solstice Prayer

The dark shadow of space leans over us. . . . .

We are mindful that the darkness of greed, exploitation, and

hatred  also lengthens its shadow over our small planet Earth.

As our ancestors feared death and evil and all the dark powers

of winter,  we fear that the darkness of war, discrimination, and

selfishness  may doom us and our planet to an eternal winter.


May we find hope in the lights we have kindled on this sacred

night,  hope in one another and in all who form the web-work of

peace and justice  that spans the world.


In the heart of every person on this Earth 

burns the spark of luminous goodness;  

in no heart is there total darkness.


May we who have celebrated this winter solstice,

by our lives and service, by our prayers and love,

call forth from one another the light and the love

that is hidden in every heart.



Wishing you the peace and beauty of winter.  May you find

yourself listening closely to everything and discovering how you

sweetly belong. May you "hear the great shout of joy within you

and set it free to arrive in the world."


Make today wonderful!


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Below is a Co-Creative Mandala--"Joy"...from a photograph of evergreen trees, snow, a blue sky wintry day and pure magic! Enjoy!

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    Picture

    Author

    Sheryl Harrell, Gardener
    of the Soil and of the
    Soul & Co-Creator of
    Mandalas. Happy you
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