Monday, 21 December 2015

TIME TO REFLECT

This year The Winter Solstice is on 22nd December


Times given above are for Dublin only
                                              Sunrise      Sunset       Daylight
20 December 2015, Sunday 08:37 16:07 07:30
21 December 2015, Monday 08:38 16:08 07:30
22 December 2015, Tuesday 08:38 16:08 07:30
23 December 2015, Wednesday 08:39 16:09 07:30
24 December 2015, Thursday 08:39 16:10 07:30

My Winter Solstice contemplation takes me on a journey to the land which lies between the soles of my feet and the top of my skull,
into all that I am.

I prepare by disconnecting the phone, limiting the amount of food I eat and drinking sufficient water.
I allow myself to move around, sit or stand but never to lie down, as I do not want to fall asleep. 
If it is warm enough I might go out into the circle or use a quiet room, sitting upright on a wooden chair.
I sit in total darkness for then there is no visual distraction.
As I deepen my focus an inner voice questions me:
“Why have you come here ?”  
And my response is always the same, “I have come to learn.”
 The voice continues.
“I am the darkness, I am also the deep dark recess of your mind. I come this long night with questions.
The gifts that you have received – Have you shared them freely?
Have you shared them wisely ?
Have you shared them with love ? ”


As I sit memories of the past year rise to the front of my mind. 
We all have things that need to be considered and dealt with, items to be discarded, others perhaps to be used as seeds that can flourish into new beginnings, projects, ideas or thoughts. 
This contemplation takes as long as it takes and I have found it better to give myself plenty of time. 
Trying to cut the process short doesn’t allow for a sudden remembering or the rise of something important that is buried deep.

When I am absolutely certain that the session has ceased I imagine the first glimmer of a new dawn approaching, then light a small candle. 

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I stay for awhile watching the flame, recenter myself and return to the world refreshed.
A poem Winter Solstice 2015

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36 comments:

  1. John21 December 2015 at 12:24

    Fine words and most relevant in this forever faster world where the time to stop and take stock seems never to be here.

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 12:27

      Thank you John. I do find that doing this improves my sense of humour :)

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  2. ADRIAN21 December 2015 at 12:48

    I need something spiritual but I need something non vviolent that doesn't promise either heaven or hell. I'll have a look at Druidism but suspect I would struggle with the written word.
    Have a great solstice.

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 12:58

      Written word, we don't have a bible by any name .The practice of it relies more upon self awareness and sensitivity to sacred sites. What has been written is recent and can only be looked upon as being an authors point of view at the time of writing. I might be treading on toes here ????? :)

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    2. ADRIAN21 December 2015 at 15:53

      Thanks.............









      I,m aware and critical of myself. I would probably enjoy the company of Druids. They knew more about the world with the exception of the Greeks and Persians perhaps.


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    3. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 16:08

      As you say perhaps because the Celts travelled widely too. I might be prejudiced here but generally the druids of today are very well educated in their subject plus a few eejits just to bring about balance.

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    4. John21 December 2015 at 22:38

      Perhaps a leaf maybe taken from the native american indians as well as us Celtic folk?

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    5. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 22:54

      A Leaf John ! and what type of Leaf would that be - one of those pointy ones that grow in hidden places on Bodmin Moor perhaps ?
      Yes, that would move things along nicely..... not on your life matey :)

      Delete
  3. Gwen Buchanan21 December 2015 at 13:24

    Wishing a beautiful Solstice to you and your lovely wife!!!

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  4. Blogoratti21 December 2015 at 13:25

    Brilliant thoughts and reflections indeed. Many thanks for sharing!

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 13:29

      You are very welcome and Seasonal Greetings to you.

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  5. Nols21 December 2015 at 13:35

    Beautiful...

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  6. Nada21 December 2015 at 14:11

    Fine words, merci..

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  7. Mac n' Janet21 December 2015 at 14:43

    How interesting.

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  8. Simon Douglas Thompson21 December 2015 at 14:47

    My brain never slows down enough for me to think like that.

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 14:51

      Nothing comes easy Simon, sometimes it is a matter of retraining the brain.

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  9. String21 December 2015 at 15:59

    Beautiful - I am coming to a calm place of peace, after a long walk along the canal. Love this time of year.

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  10. Vallypee21 December 2015 at 17:13

    A Beautiful image of your reflective period, Mel. I hope it brings you the peace and calm needed to embqrk on a new year. Love the lighted candle. Sláinte to you and Mrs H...

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 17:20

      Hello Val good to hear from you.
      The process works very well indeed which is why I decided to share it with the world of bloggers and to my mind what is great that it can be done without the assistance of another, in the comfort of your own home.

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  11. Linda21 December 2015 at 17:38

    This is great! I love the winter, and even though I am in the minority I don't mind at all. I wish you and your dear wife a lovely Solstice. :)

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 17:46

      Thank you Linda, I think it is an ideal winter ritual for a solo and hope that you have a good one. Seasonal Blessings to you.

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  12. The Weaver of Grass21 December 2015 at 18:36

    I find your post very interesting Heron and I admire the way you can do this. I don't think I have that much control of my thoughts - maybe it is something that can be learned, or even taught.

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    1. A Heron's View21 December 2015 at 19:03

      Thank you for your comment and enquiry Pat. I think that desire/want needs to be present first after that it is learning through practise. I don't think it can actually be taught.
      A Happy Solstice to you and the Farmer.

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  13. Renovation in Galicia22 December 2015 at 01:52

    Happy Solstice Heron, I had not realised that you are also a Pagan, it was to this I was referring in my last post title, we normally ignore Xmas and celebrate the Solstice, this year we are doing some things expected at Xmas.

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    1. A Heron's View22 December 2015 at 05:34

      You know what they say a change is as good as a rest ! Good to hear from you SB back to you :)

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  14. angryparsnip22 December 2015 at 04:33

    I am sending warm, loving and a peaceful Solstice to you.
    My Son Birthday is on the 21 so he almost made it this year.

    cheers, parsnip

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  15. Deb22 December 2015 at 20:17

    Happy Solstice H.

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    1. A Heron's View22 December 2015 at 20:19

      Thanks Deb and also to you and all of my readers !

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  16. baili25 December 2015 at 11:58

    this candle is beautiful cant stop looking at it ,having such control on mind makes one 's easy among others and peaceful when alone ,loved reading you writing ,keep the positive spirit up,happy Christmas

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    1. A Heron's View25 December 2015 at 13:05

      Thanks very much Baili - I don't celebrate christmas x

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