"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." Carl Jung
The solstices and equinoxes mark the changing seasons and remind us of the life cycle - seasons come and go, things change, nothing stays the same, yet all will return in its time. One year ends and a New Year is created.
The WInter Solstice is a deeply mystical time for many. It is the longest night of the year, all have gone deep inside and faced the long dark night of the soul and now await the return of the sun. The New Year is a time to consider the true nature of reflections. Take a moment to light a candle and meditate with mindfulness on the sunlight within yourself.
As you learn to accept the brightness of who you are, you will begin to understand your deeper nature which is both light and darkness. Do not fear your shadow side, for the shadows are what give you depth, experience and wisdom and they provide opportunities for the perfect expression of theDivine that you are. Your soul is a beautiful mirror that seeks to reflect the light of the Divine. This light is bright enough to forever illuminate your path and the paths of those with whom you come in contact. Meditating upon this light will provide insight to your deeper nature.
The word 'insight', which means to see into something, is really a function of seeing with your inner eyes - with the 'eyes of understanding.' When we are distracted and deceived by appearances, we may judge others quickly and react defensively. True vision requires that we see beyond actions into their source - and then beyond the source into the soul.
Practice seeing with the eyes of understanding - beyond the frustration, irritation or disappointment of the moment into the underlying reasons for behaviors or events. Challenge yourself to see into yourself - to monitor responses and reaction patterns, to consider why you create certain situations in your life, to explore ways in which you can turn apparent misfortune into an opportunity for growth and ultimately into good fortune. Begin by trading judgment for non-judgmental observation and by trading reaction for thoughtful response - and your eyes of understanding will begin to open.Though the night is dark, when we see with our heart and soul, our true path will always be visible, illuminated by the light within.
Blessings on your path,
Beth