The winter solstice has been a favorite day of mine for a while now. I saw this drawing years ago and the accompanying words just seared into my soul. I share this piece and those words every year now and I’ll share them here with you too.

The drawing is by Jessica Boehman, a talented illustrator. After years of admiring it, I finally purchased my own copy of this print that will hang in my home. This piece is titled ‘Bedtime Stories’ and is colored pencil and pencil.

“The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close... like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.
Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism.
And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving, embracing goodbye to the past year.”

“The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year. It is a turning point, signifying the rebirth of the sun and the return of light. It is from darkness that inspiration, strength, and life eventually emerge. It is in darkness that our inner light is lit. Let go of what is not needed anymore. Celebrate the power of faith, that your dreams and affirmations will come into manifestation. On this day make a conscious effort to increase the amount of light, positive thoughts, and love in and around you.” -unknown

I have to force myself to slow down and embrace the darkness every year. Every year I say how much I hate the early sundown and can’t ever get enough done. I get so flustered and try to hurry and hustle to do it all. And then the winter solstice shows up and I am reminded of these words and reminded that it’s nature’s way of forcing us into a slow down. Embrace the darkness. Take a deep breath. Slow down. I’m tired. It’s been a long year. Slow down.

I urge you to remind yourself of these words as well. Take a long, slow, deep breath, hold it, and ever so slowly let it out. Winter is here. Winter is calm and kind. Embrace the dark and look forward to the light of longer days ahead. But for now, just slow down.

Happy Winter Solstice <3 from all of us here at Long Lane Farm