This time of year is so dark! I wake up in the dark, and have to head out for chores and chickens in what feels like it’s still night, and then I turn to my family around 6pm and say “is it bedtime yet?” We have such short days as we draw nearer to the winter solstice, which is Dec 21st this year. I can get a bit cranky about the darkness, and crave light.
An article in the most recent issue of UU World magazine, which arrived in my mailbox last week, challenged me on this light-bias, however. Not only has light = good and dark = bad been a metaphor that has helped us perpetuate racism and anti-blackness, but it is also avoiding a spiritual exploration of what the darkness may bring us as an experience. You can read the whole article here: A Theology of Darkness | UU World Magazine
What spiritual gifts and lessons come to us from the dark? What are the gifts of this season, not just its challenges?
In the spirit of exploring that aspect of the season, I invite you to the Solstice Spiral we will hold in the parking lot at OUUC next Sunday, 5-6:30pm. The spiral is a space for meditatively walking into the center of darkness at this time of year, and then back out again. It’s a walking meditation inviting you to contemplate what this season, and the darkness, is saying to you this year.
The walk itself won’t take you too long, so come anytime during those open hours and take your turn at this spiritual practice. Afterward, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
However you are experiencing this season, my wish for you is a darkness that comforts and brings you chances for rest and renewal.
Blessings,
Sara