Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we’ve just passed the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice is, for me, a time of introspection and wishing, and in recent years, I’ve developed a theory about this time of year; I believe that the way you spend the Solstice and the way you ring in the New Year will set the tone for the year to come.
I came to this idea in pieces. I’ve always tried to be intentional about my New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day practices, but last year was the first time I saw my actions on the Solstice manifesting in the new year, so from here on out, I want to be more intentional about these three days. Last year, I attended a restorative yoga class on the Solstice, and burned wishes and scraps of gratitude with my husband. On New Year’s Eve, I stayed home, safe and snug with my love, and on New Year’s Day, I really only ventured out of our cocoon to write and attend a yoga class. And you know what? 2013 was the year of yoga, and the year of wishes manifesting for me.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking long and hard about what tone I want to set for 2014. I am hoping for a year of joy, a year of friendship and love, and a year of unexplored writing territories. I’m also hoping for a year of quiet creature comforts and self-care.
That’s why, as 2013 winds to a close, I’m being very intentional about the ways I will celebrate the Solstice and the coming year. There will be dancing. There will be yoga. There will be writing. There will be good food, and a walk along the shore. There will be time alone, and time to share.
It’s never too late to create the life you want. How will you ring in the new year?
The Busy Witch is published on alternate Tuesdays. Follow it via RSS or e-mail!
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