The sun is at the height of its power on Sunday when we experience the longest day and shortest night of the year. Solstice means “standing of the sun”, and is a major turning point in the earth’s cycle, providing a great time for self-reflection. Take a moment to honor all that has unfolded in your life since the solstice of December – how humbling and awe-inspiring to consider who you’ve become in the last 6 months.
In addition to looking back, consider looking forward through the doorway of the summer solstice into the second half of the year. What do you want to encourage and manifest?
There is a sanskrit term, vicara, that means sacred inquiry or lengthy consideration. This weekend is an auspicious time to reflect on your journey since December 2014, and dream where you want to end up in 6 months.
After Sunday, the days start get shorter and the nights darker. Depressing? Not necessarily. Seasons teach us about the cycle of life, and the importance of each part of the journey. The dark is as necessary as the light. Darkness isn’t something to fear, and we need the contrast of life to help us fully embrace our light.
Several of the yoga deities are shown holding up their hand in abhya mudra, a gesture that both invites depth and says “be courageous.” The path of yoga, just like the journey of life, requires courage, steadfastness, and a willingness to feel and experience it all…the light and the dark.