The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, symbolizing our return to the Sun as we make the path of darkness into light. In Latin, Solstice breaks down beautifully: Sol (the sun) and Sistere (to stand still); the sun appears to stand still as the earth’s axis gradually begins tilting back toward the sun. She has completed another life cycle, leading us into the astrological winter, and then to spring, giving new life to all.

The shortest day of the year has long been celebrated as a return to purity and innocence: we are reborn into our truest sense of ourselves. We are called into stillness; invited to relinquish the armor acquired throughout the year and celebrate the wisdom found in the stillness of vulnerability.

This year, we celebrate on December 21, the day of the year with the least amount of sunlight and, of course, then, the longest night. It is the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun. Soon, the daylight will expand, and the darkness will shorten. As we move toward expansion, our creative powers and spiritual desires awaken. In this brief stillness of the solstice, we can learn to build on our wisdom that darkness leads to light.

Join Nicole Force this December 21st at The Vault for her class: A Seed At Solstice, Candlelight Yin Yoga. She will lead a joyous and relaxing yin yoga inspired by the Winter Solstice with gentle reflection through guided meditation, community, and inspiration for the new year. She will ask you to reflect on how what one does in a year, plants a seed for the following year.

Wear comfortable clothing for gentle movement, bring a journal, and be ready to share a few words with your community! Journals may be purchased at The Vault.

Register here!

“You are what your deepest desire is.
As your desire is, so is your intention.
As your intention is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.”
–The Upanishads

Much love,

Jamie and the crew at The Vault