Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice (12/23/20):

This week we experience the longest nights of the year.  We yearn for light and warmth.  There is something frightening about the shortness of the days, the hibernation of the world around us.  Somehow it seems like we are stuck here forever. 

Ironically, by the time you see this, the days are already getting longer.  The world is already spinning toward spring.  Even though cold days are to come, in just a few months, day and night will be balanced and the trees will be starting to bloom.  So it will be with the epidemic.  A difficult winter, but already the vaccines are starting to flow and month by month, we will get people protected.  Night and day, winter and summer, these teach us that nothing is permanent.  Rain and snow are temporary.   Our emotions are like the weather.  Sad days may be there for a while, but they are followed by better days.

The question must be asked, what is wrong with a long dark night? What is wrong with a little silence?  What is wrong with a little hibernation?  Those of us with Northern ancestors used to do it.  Their lives followed the day and night.  They slept longer in the winter and were more active in the warmer weather. 

Maybe this is the time to treasure time at home, watching cheerful or funny movies, curling up with a loved one or a pet.  Perhaps relaxing in the recliner a bit more.  Turning off the news.  We see enough of sad or difficult moments with patients. We don't need to watch every difficult thing in the world brought to our living room. 

Hibernate a little - Eat, laugh, cuddle, sleep -- and enjoy.