Winter Solstice: A Dance with Yin and Yang
In the midst of the darkest days, there is light. Winter solstice marks the beginning of our journey into the cold yin of winter. The plants and animals turn inward and rest. Mother Nature hints to us to do the same. While we remain active, our movements may soften; while we remain curious, our focus turns inward to the deeper aspects of Self. Reflection, contemplation, silent meditation, and qigong are tools of the season. All the while, hope is with us as the days get longer and light comes our way.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) because during the solstice the angle between the Sun’s rays and the plane of the Earth’s equator appears to stand still. Upon the winter solstice, the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky. The Sun’s gradual decrease in the sky reverses upon the winter solstice, marking what many cultures believe to be a “rebirth” of the Sun as the hours of daylight become longer.
The Chinese term for Winter Solstice literally means the “extreme of yin” as Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. At the point of extreme yin, yang is born.
Winter Solstice is the time when yang is once again starting its ascent in nature. As such, this is the time of year to start doing more Gathering the Yang of Heaven (the Sky) to balance the Yin nature. We have the dance of yang emerging in more sunlight each day, with the entry into the most yin season, winter.
Along with a little extra sleep, another traditional recommendation for this time of year is to expose yourself to sunlight as much as possible. If possible, traditional medicine recommends allowing the back to be exposed to the sun, and this can be done inside a warm room with large windows. Why the back? In Chinese medicine the back is seen as Yang while the anterior of the body Yin. Warming the back is a way to warm and strengthen the Yang of the body.
Also recommended is eating warming, heavier foods and avoiding raw, cold, greasy food. An example of a meal appropriate for this time of year is Lamb Soup or Stew with fresh ginger, scallions, salt, and a bit of cooking wine. For those who don’t eat lamb (including me), grass-fed beef, organic chicken, or organic hearty vegetables are just as suitable.
Join me in qigong moving meditation suitable for all levels. Solstice is a time when yin and yang dance, making way for each other. We’ll activate our qi and flow as we celebrate this time of year.
Monday, December 20, 2021 at 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Free virtual class