Tuesday, December 21st marks this year’s Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere’s shortest day and longest night of the year. The Sun, our source of life, light and energy, is furthest from our skies, which contributes to fatigue and the urge to hibernate. Meanwhile, Holy-day and end-of-year celebrations vie for time and energy. Many people find this season indeed to be joyful and bright, while for others this time of year can provoke wistful memories, amplify feelings of loneliness, and/or encourage poor judgement and unhealthy habits. This year let the darkness be an invitation to dive deep within, and deeper still while you simultaneously discover, uncover and recover your own inner light.

The darkness in this case can be symbolic of one’s hidden, less obvious, shadow nature. Giving yourself time to become acquainted with parts of yourself that have been ignored, banished or denied helps to diminish the fear and loathing…