Welcoming Winter…
“I am listening to the season of contemplation, to the urgency of our world’s need for reflection.
I am listening to all that waits within the earth, to bulbs and seeds,
to deep roots dreaming.
I am listening to the sacred, winter rest.I am listening.” –Macrina Wiederkehr, excerpt from Listening to Winter.
With the arrival of the winter solstice today, winter is officially here and the light begins to grow once again.
As Macrina Wiederkehr reminds us, it is the “season of contemplation,” inviting us to pause often, look within, and rest in silence.
Sometimes though it is really hard to slow down out of fear of what will be revealed in the silence. Many are struggling with mental health challenges because of the long winter they already feel like they’ve been in.
One of my favorite quotes to pair with the winter solstice is:
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. – Albert Schweitzer
We all take turns being the one needing the light of another or being that light. As you read this, please pause, take a breath, and send or invite in the light of another. Together, we can rekindle hope, peace, and love in the hearts and minds of those in need.
May you receive all the light that you need to have hope this winter and may you send light out when you can, trusting it will reach those in need.
Take Back the Night
—France White, SHCJ
Listening to Winter (excerpt)
I am listening to the seed hidden in the earth.
I am listening to the dark swallowing up the light.
I am listening to faith rising out of doubt.
I am listening to the need to believe without seeing.
I am listening.
I am listening to the season of contemplation,
to the urgency of our world’s need for reflection.
I am listening to all that waits within the earth,
to bulbs and seeds,
to deep roots dreaming.
I am listening to the sacred, winter rest.
I am listening.
I am listening to long nights,
comforting darkness,
fruitful darkness,
beautiful darkness.
I am listening to the darkness of the winter season.
I am listening to the sparks of hope within the darkness.
I am listening.
I am listening to storms raging out my window,
to storms raging in my heart.
I am listening to all that makes me pull my cloak a little tighter.
I am listening to trust buried deep in the ground of my being.
I am listening.
I am listening to the kind permission of the season
to rest more often,
to reflect more deeply,
to pray without words.
I am listening to the sacrament of non-doing.
I am listening.
What is your soul calling you to listen to and explore this winter?
