The winter and summer solstices are celestial events that mark the position of the sun in relation to the earth. The winter solstice has the shortest day and longest night of the whole year. For thousands of years, people from all over the world celebrated the winter solstice as an end to the darkness and the return of the light.
(Read also: How The Vikings Invented Christmas)
With all the bustle of holiday shopping and preparations, it’s nice to step back and really take in the natural magic of the season. We humans are busy, but this is a quiet time for nature, and we can all benefit from some peace and quiet ourselves, even if it’s just for a few moments.
Here is a simple little tea ritual to reawaken your own inner light that will help you feel more peaceful and grounded. The ritual doesn’t require anything special, just you and a cup of your favorite tea.
Prepare a cup of your favorite tea and go somewhere where you won’t be interrupted. Put your phone on silent. This time is for you alone. You can go outside, or remain indoors. If you do this in the evening, you can light a candle.
Sit with your tea and inhale the aroma. Feel the essence of the tea entering you through your sense of smell, to reawaken you and invigorate you.
Hold your cup and feel the warmth of the tea in your hands. Imagine that warmth as a glow that will spread from your hands up to your heart.
Breathe slowly, in and out. With every inhale, picture the glow in your heart growing a little brighter.
With every exhale, visualize the glow spreading, anchoring into you, replacing darkness with a warm light.
Every time you take a sip of your tea, imagine the warmth as a glowing light that spreads from your lips, down into your torso, and from there, radiating through your entire body.
When you feel all tingly and glowy, just enjoy the sensation. Enjoy your tea. Think your favorite thoughts.
When you finish your tea, the ritual is done.
Do you have any rituals to celebrate the winter solstice? We would love to hear!
(Read also: Create Holiday Magic With Herbs and Spices)
Warmest thoughts,
Kita
