A Natural Holiday

Today is the calendaric yin yangDay and night are of equal lengthThe year was born at the winter solsticeIt gained its footing at the vernal equinoxBefore peaking at the summer solsticeSince then, the energy of natureIn the northern hemisphere, at leastHas been Producing, Producing, ProducingIt’s bounty is all around usTraditionally, all over the world It’s the season for rituals of thanksgivingFor ceremony acknowledging the earth’s giftsCelebrating the bountyOf our revered ecosystemsThe seed and the soilThe water and the rainThe bees, the trees, and the breezeGenerating stunning varieties of lifeThrough the essential warmth of the sunSurely the sun deserves a rest nowAfter all that workAnd our activity will slow as wellAs each night comes a little soonerEnticing us to slow down.Today is the experience of light and dark in equal measureThere is balanceIt’s an astrologically significant daySo perhaps a ritual is in orderReverence is the only essential ingredientThanksgiving is the orientationBalance is the MuseOur life is the offeringAnd on the altar of this dayLet us first recognizeWe are a part of nature, of life, of cycles great and smallAnd we take our part, and feel the influence of our world in our livesAnd give thanks in three partsFirst, for something fully blossomed in our livesBe it a zucchini plant, or a skill, or a relationshipAcknowledge this personal mature blessingAnd bow to itKnowing it contributes to your sustenanceDuring the darker days aheadNext, turn towards this darkeningIt’s what is going to be happeningSo let’s align to itLet us acknowledge the naturalnessOf slowingOf darknessOf restLet’s participate in the natural rhythmAnd select one thing to set downTo let restThe darkness is the Divine FeminineThe womb of creationWhat can you send into the womb of creationTo be born again at the winter solstice?Something that, throughout this season, when you think of itYou can know it’s in good hands and you’ll see it again soonSet down something you’ve been carrying And bless it to the restorative alchemy of the darknessFinally, considerWhat is a support you can offer yourself in the coming monthsBe it a breath practice, a warm beverage, or a yoga stretchSomething easy that feels good, warm, soft, curiousCommit to a ritualistic act of careEven a small gesture at a key moment To acknowledge the fullness of the lightAnd bow to the mysteries of the darkPolishing the scale that holds the center and knows how to come back to itWe’re taking our place in the cycle of natureOne we’ve taken again and againBut there’s something sacred in acknowledging itTaking a momentBalancing our busynessWith reverenceAs the cooling air signals a change for which we are prepared This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fallingtenderly.substack.com