We’re less than two weeks away from the Winter Solstice

The energy right before the Solstice here in the North is particularly intense. The light is dripping away really fast these days, and the light that there is feels cold, the rays of the Sun are elusive and indirect. We have a lot of darkness being gifted to us. And while the darkness will be just as intense two weeks from now, after the 21st, the light will be returning, and the energy will be and feel different. So let’s use this time.

While I’m talking about the Solstice energy I’m experiencing on this side of the Wheel, if you’re coming up on the Summer Solstice at year end in the Southern Hemisphere, you can do this working too. The last days before any Solstice — Summer or Winter — is the culmination of that energy, as the Sun and the Earth do their eternal dance, every year, twice a year we get the gift of that moment when we are as far away as possible from the warmth of the Sun or as close as possible and basking in her light and heat—an ideal time for divination and intention-setting.

Let’s use that energy right now to go inside and divine what it is we will be working on and manifesting in the coming year

It’s so interesting to watch this process in myself. Each year that I do this it feels like I peel a layer and get down closer to the core.

For 2012 my theme was Joy. And for 2013 the theme that chose me was Healing.

Now, in the darkness that’s wrapping up 2013 and leading us into 2014, I find myself sitting with, dreaming about, what’s underneath both of those previous themes. Here’s what I am discovering: Regardless of just how joyful I am in any moment, and even more fiercely, regardless of how healthy this body of mine may be in any moment, I have a mission and purpose that thrums through me with a powerful force, and that is my commitment to be of Service. It is a privilege to connect, to teach, to learn, to facilitate, to share what I’ve learned. I’m very lucky and very honored to be doing so.

My theme for 2014 is Service.

Take some time over the next few days, and reach inside for your theme for the coming year. I can’t wait to hear what lands for you—you may be surprised! I always am. Please let me know in the comments.

I am so grateful

• I am grateful for honoring my body’s need to stop, stop, stop and rest (which for me includes watching some cheesy tv and going to sleep early)
• I am grateful for my friends and family who respond to my love with the same
• I am grateful that I’ve learned that the antidote for loneliness is to reach out and connect (works much better than waiting in resentment for someone to reach out to me)
• I am grateful that I have cashmere tights — two pairs! — that I bought in Bonnieux in the Luberon in Provence in 2010, and that they bring me so much warmth in this chilly time; they make me happy every time I put them on
• I am grateful for my new 27″ iMac that is still sitting in its box and will likely for another two weeks; I’m waiting until I have four days in a row to do this so it won’t be stressful, and taking the time to plan it out in detail (so much to download!)
• Asking shamelessly, one more time, for your help with this: I am honored to be a nominee for Jodi Chapman’s Blog with Heart award. If what you read on my blog has moved you, if my words have resonated in your heart, please add your nomination for me by clicking on this link or on the image and leaving a comment on Jodi’s blog. Nominations close December 22nd. Thank you so much!