Longest Night

 

Today, December 21^st, is the winter solstice.  That means that we will experience the longest night of the year, and that after tonight, the hours of daylight will increase.  This time of year, holiday celebrations surround us with the joy of the season. For many, however, the holidays feel a lot like this night, long and dark.  For some that may mean struggling to make sense of the loss of a loved one, acknowledging the feelings of grief that change over time, but never fully dissipate. Others may simply miss family members who live far away, or experience sadness over other losses.  We are people who have been through so much, and this time of year it is good to acknowledge both the joys of life, alongside the sorrow, struggle, and regrets.  I invite you to take a moment and remain in the midst of what feels heavy this season, acknowledging that which is hard, and allowing yourself space to connect with the Holy (God, Light, Love, whatever you understand the Holy to be).

Find a quiet place and light the candle provided, or another candle of your choosing. Sit comfortably and spend a few moments breathing in deeply, holding it for just a second, and breathing out as long as you can.  Do this slowly until a rhythm develops and you find your mind has slowed down.  If you have trouble concentrating, focus on the feeling of your breath as it enters/leaves your nose/mouth, allowing yourself into a time of quiet stillness and reflection. You may also find it helpful to focus on the flame of the candle.

Spend a few minutes reflecting on the following four ideas: Love, Peace, Hope, Joy.

Allow LOVE to enter:

·        Who comes to mind when you reflect on love?

·        What does it feel like to love and be loved?

·        Lift the names of persons you want to surround with love, be sure to also acknowledge those who have passed from this life. 

·        Take a few moments and breathe.  As you inhale, breath in love…as you exhale breath out any feelings of loneliness, grief, or isolation.

Allow PEACE to enter:

·        In what areas of your life do you long for peace?

·        Focus on any conflict that lives in you, whether it be with yourself or someone else.  Surround that dark space with peace and light as you lift it to the presence of the Holy.

·        Take a few moments and breathe. As you inhale breath in peace…as you exhale breath out any feelings of stress or fear.

Allow HOPE to enter:

·        What does hope mean to you? 

·        What is it that you long for the most?

·        What is your deepest hope for those you love?

·        Take a few moments and breathe.  As you inhale breath in the promise of hope…as you exhale breath our any feelings of discouragement. 

Allow JOY to enter:

·        What brings you joy this season?

·        How do you bring joy into the lives of others?

·        What does joy mean to you?

·        Take a few moments and breathe.  As you inhale breath in joy…as you exhale breathe out any anxiety that resides within you.

Finally, focus on the flame of the candle:

·        What does the light represent to you? 

·        Embrace its warmth and visualize light entering your body.  Start from the bottom of your feet, up your calves, slowly travelling all the way up to the top of your head.  As you picture it, allow your muscles to relax and continue to breath in and out, slowly and deeply. 

·        Allow the light to dispel any darkness, any hurt, any pain. 

·        Before blowing out the candle, spend a few moments reflecting on gratitude.  For what are you most thankful?  Who/what do you consider to be a gift? 

When you are ready, blow out the candle. 

Remember that there are no right or wrong feelings this time of year.  Allow yourself to feel all that comes to you, remembering that you are not alone on this journey. Know that what you bring to this world is unique and important!

May you be blessed now and always,

Chaplain Devon