Day 7 - Gathering

The winter solstice has arrived. On the longest night of the shortest day, people gathered together around the yule log to face the darkness and to welcome the light. Remnants of that tradition echo through our Christmas tree and family celebrations at the hearth. The simple truth is that we need each other. This profound reality is clearer now than ever before because of what we are all going through collectively. The only way we'll make it through a global pandemic, the only way we'll survive climate change, the only way we'll repair our broken political system, the only way we'll free the refuge, the indigenous, the imprisoned, the enslaved, the nonbinary, the addicted, the lost and the lonely is by gathering together to face the darkness and to welcome the light. In the end, it is all about hope.

Patrick and I discovered the joy of bonfires in our backyard this summer and fall during COVID. Our friends Linda and Liane are master fire builders although my sister Kim is the queen of the bonfire. This evening, I invite you to a virtual bonfire, an online gathering hosted by Krista Tippett from On Being. It is good to be together. All are welcome but you do have to register beforehand:

https://onbeing.org/midwinter-gathering/

You may wonder why I write these blog series from time to time. It's not really a secret. I recognize somewhere deep in my bones that I need all of you. I am abundantly grateful for the connection we share. Especially this time of year, it is important that you know I love you and depend on that love to keep going. (Plus, my mom really likes it when I write to her each day.)

Practice

Gather around a fire tonight whether it be a blazing bonfire, a cozy fire in your home, a simple candle, or an online ceremony. Look up at the beauty in the evening sky - both the sunsets and moon risings are spectacular these final days of December. Reach out to family and friends with the gift of love.