Happy Winter Solstice!

The shortest day and longest night of the year comes to pass in the northern hemisphere today and signals the return of light - our march towards the apex in June when we reach the summit of light's reign on earth.

It is unfortunate that in the northern hemisphere and in the west we are so preoccupied with partying and the mad rush of buying gifts during a season that is ideally suited to going quietly into a cave and reflecting on the inner gifts we're given that nurture the soul and promote healthy growth of our spiritual nature. The ideal place for all this partying is the southern hemisphere where summer begins now, and the focus is on the growing season.

For the rest of us who live in regions where winter begins today, by continuously going out when we ought to be going in, we create a fertile soil for colds, flu, and other ailments. The body is designed to retreat in this season of cold and dark - but the material world has overtaken our spiritual one and made this a time of frantic consumption.

For those of you who are as turned off to what has been made of this blessed time of year as I am, please take some time this evening to offer your prayers of thanksgiving and reflection for the year that is passing away, and for the light that will now come again. We can each look into our own hearts to ask how we are contributing to the gift of life.

The true giving is not in presents that we buy at stores, but in the gifts of our spirit extended to one another without expectation. Those things we give of ourselves in gratitude and appreciation are the real presents, and as we shine our light unto the world during the longest night of the year, we remind one another that no matter how dark it looks outside - the light is returning once again.

Blessed Be!

KJ