Solstice Blessings As We Enter A New Year

12/30/2021

Solstice Blessings - by John O’Donohue

Somewhere, out at the edges, the night
is turning and the waves of darkness
Begin to brighten on the shore of dawn.
The heavy dark falls back to earth
And the freed air goes wild with light,
The heart fills with fresh, bright breath
And thoughts stir to give birth to colour.
I arise today
In the name of Silence
Womb of the Word,
In the name of Stillness
Home of Belonging,
In the name of Solitude
Of the soul and the Earth.
I arise today
Blessed by all things,
Wings of breath,
Delight of eyes,
Wonder of whisper,
Intimacy of touch,
Eternity of soul,
Urgency of thought,
Miracle of health,
Embrace of God.
May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Clear of word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.

Tuesday, December 21 is the shortest day and longest night here in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice arrived early this morning as I reflected on John O’Donohue's poem Solstice Blessings shared above.

The Ursid meteor shower peaks tonight, as well, dancing through the twilight as a sign of potent spiritual energy from above, reminding us there is always light in the middle of darkness.

As 2021 comes to a close, I am not sure I have words to describe it as I anticipate the sun's return in 2022. The pandemic continues to test our resolve, yet the dance carries on; we keep finding our way through.

At Syzygy Dance Project, we managed a successful virtual facilitator outreach training, journeyed to the beat of the drums, connected with our ancestors, and brought in-person dance back to veterans.

Our 2020 Sound Wave event was a beautiful start to this turbulent year. Now, I believe we need another one at the start of 2022. I hope you will join me for a January afternoon of sound and vibrations from my collection of instruments.

Surrendering to the sound and resting deeply in the vibrations that permeate us brings peace, tranquility, heightened awareness, and heart-opening.

Thank you for joining me on this journey with Syzygy Dance Project, for your unconditional loving support, your interest in supporting our programs, and for actually opening and reading our emails!

You are often our light through the dark times, shooting support like a blessed meteor shower. Generous in love.

Have a blessed holiday and new year,
Sylvie & the SDP Team

PS. For all of you last-minute gift shoppers, did you know that Syzygy Dance Project offers Gift certificates? Syzygy Dance Project Gift Certificates are redeemable for all classes. The perfect gift for family and friends who need a nudge towards starting a movement practice. Click here to find out more.

PPS. Sylvie Minot will be away on a winter holiday from Thursday, December 23, 2021, to Monday, January 10, 2022. The next Saturday, Sweat Your Prayers in Point Richmond, CA is January 8, 2022. The SDP team will continue to review emails during this time with the exception of December 24 - 27 & December 31 - January 3, 2022.