Winter Solstice Reflection and Blessings

This past year has felt like one big journey inward. It has been a year riddled with family upheavals, injuries that have left me immobilized, and deep inner work that has turned me inside out. I've also spent a year, for the first time, trying to live in harmony with the seasonal changes as best I can, honoring the deep desire for self-care that my body has been asking me for, and my practice and my teachings have reflected those necessary changes.

I think this is the first year that winter solstice hasn't taken me off my guard. The #wintersolstice marks the day when the days grow longer and it's time to become more reflective on the things we need to let go of, and the intentions would like to set for the New Year. 2016 has felt like an entire year of reflection for me. Shedding old skins that have been subconsciously causing me turmoil, and cultivating loving and supportive relationships in every aspect of my life has been a top priority.

So, this year I welcomed the darkness whole-heartedly. I now understand how necessary it is for transformation and that silence does not equal sadness. There were a lot of difficult lessons that I need to learn this year in order for me to serve the world on a deeper level. With gratitude, I say, "Thank You" to all of the guiding lights who have held space for this journey to unfold.

What can you let go of this year that is no longer serving you? What seeds would you like to see grow with the coming light of the new year?