SOLSTICE

by Nona Passalacqua, CCHT

In the dead of winter, when the earth is at rest, the sun begins its return. In the dark night of a life, torn by grief and fear, the promise of awakening begins to unfold.

It is the natural rhythm of things, this dark and light, birth and death, contraction and unfolding. It happens all around us in nature. It reminds us that life can be complex and difficult but also simple and joyful. Paradoxes abound. They are the nature of our reality.

We are approaching the time of Christmas, which is a celebration wedded to an earlier earth-bound festival of Winter Solstice. We are linked through this time to our ancient, ancient ancestors who celebrated the seasons and all life as connected and interdependent.

We can use this time to consume and revel or we can use this time to inspire and remember. It doesn't take a lot of material wealth to observe the riches around us in the earth and in our animal relations.

To inspire is to remember that under the frozen ground the earth is replenishing itself for a new burst of life coming in the next season of Spring. To inspire is to celebrate the miracle of that with those we love. To inspire is to share not just materially but with full and open hearts to listen and respond to those in need. To inspire is to use our creativity to construct symbols of new life birthing from this time to stillness. To inspire is to bless all we know and all we have and to be grateful to be here at this time, at hard as it can be, on this beautiful planet. To inspire is to believe we can persist and become better, to focus on and to support the best in our human nature, in our ideas and urges. To inspire is to refuse to be frightened when darkness surrounds us; to instead remember that it is only the opposite of the light, which always returns.

When I look around my world daily, I see a faces full of stress and concern. When I hear the news, I hear of war, much more than I hear of love. This is indeed a time where the world has become small and our lives and decisions complex. It is easy to forget the larger picture, the natural cycles to which we are bound, the other species with which we share the earth, those of our own humanity who never cease to strive for good.

During this time of Solstice, let us remember and hope.

On the Spot...
...with A Window Between Worlds

Features
Expectations, Reality, and Always Waiting to Be

The Decision
Written by Mary Ellen

Holistic Household Cleaning Tips from Kat
Written by Kat Grassell

Parenting and Relationship
As I Look in Your Eyes
Written by A.F. Firebird

Men Supporting Women
Burka Too
Written by Herb Press

Health Share
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hypnosis
Written by Melissa J. Roth, C.H.T., PhD(c)

The Way of the Wounded Healer
Written by Marilyn Gordon, C.H.T., CI

Understanding Terror-induced Trauma
Written by Yael Fischman, Ph.D.

Flashback Intervention Tool
Written by Darling Villena-Mata, Ph.D.

Spirit-to-Spirit
My Brother's Spirit
Written by Leticia Garza-Falcon, Ph.D. in collaboration with her brother, Robert Garza Jr.

Solstice
Written by Nona Passalacqua

Transitions
Written by Darling G. Villena-Mata

From the Stars
Written by Darling G. Villena-Mata

Q&A
Bien Educada
by Readers and Dr. Villena-Mata

These articles and opinions of the authors do not constitute the endorsement of InnerMidst Magazine nor its publisher, CirclePoint or any of its staff. The articles are solely the opinions of the authors.These writings are not tools to be substituted for ongoing assistance from a qualified person who is versed in trauma. Please seek help from your local area for professional assistance in letting go of traumas. We also encourage you to do research and expand your knowledge. Be a responsible consumer and seek a variety of sources to meet your needs and to empower yourself. You understand that what is provided is for educational and philosophical purposes. You are soley responsible for your choices, including seeking medical and other healing care.

Thank you for exploring this website and InnerMidst. Please feel free to give us feedback to help make this magazine one you would like to revisit.