Solstice-Sitting in the Dark

By 4:30 PM today in Chicago, it is pitch black. I grab another sweater, make some sage tea and light a candle to handle the cold darkness that permeates. With the Solstice, winter sets in. Upcoming nights will be filled with holiday gatherings, which are for some of us, forced gaiety. For a time, we dial up socializing and dial down working. We eat, sleep and spend more at this time of year and rush around, read news and run errands less. As is now my tradition, I will carve out time during the last week of this year and the first of next, to reflect on what’s happened and what I hope will happen next, what’s working and what’s not, who I am becoming and which parts of me I am ready to let go.

As the three adorable elders said as they closed their coffee caucus at the table next to mine this morning, “It’s been an interesting year.” My 2017 began with two powerfully transformative happenings—I saw Hamilton and I participated in the Women’s March! Turning back the pages of my ical, I notice that I spent more time than ever before: crying, calling politicians, caring for my parents’ well-being, communing with Nature, companioning clients on purpose-discovery paths, and collaborating with incredible cohorts crafting a variety of social movements. This has been an absolutely historic year for me personally and us nationally and globally—demanding that we come together to cope. Locally, I have witnessed awesome women step into inspiring leadership roles, some for the first time ever. For more than a year now, there is a meeting of some sort every single night in my town of 50,000: people gathering to collaborate how to contribute positively to the transformation our society needs. It is truly awe-some to belong to an activated community! We are absolutely better, together—more creative, more energized, more compassionate, more impactful. Much has been written about the massive uprising of women across the globe speaking out and standing up with #metoo, the marches, many movements. The more clarity I discern about my personal purpose in the world, the more I am convinced that WE spaces (what I call “Circles”) are required to manifest more of ME, you or any one of us.

As of this year, I have had the privilege to facilitate 550 Circles. I am nowhere near an expert at holding this brave space that demands courageous vulnerability and a willingness to stretch into uncertain, unknown edges, but I am cultivating skills and gaining experience along my path, intent to master this social art form. (If 10,000 hours is the mark of mastery, I have only 4,450 circles to go!) Gathering in Circle remains the most dynamic, generative, inspiring, restorative, informative, supportive, energizing, and enjoyable place that I experience. This year, I created virtual circles with leaders in the Global Purpose Movement and in 2018, I hope to hold space for a murmuration of Mysterial Women. One of my intended projects is to create a workshop to share all that I’ve learned to encourage others to change the conversation, deepen the dialogue, connect more soulfully.

Interesting times come with the potential to spark new interests, new relationships, new possibilities! The Solstice is an excellent opportunity for amplifying your spark. Dark nights are best for seeing stars. Times of collapse are ideal for collaborating, creating and connecting with our calling! Are you ready to say, “YES!” to bringing more of your light into the world? I hope so! Step into MORE engagement with life to become MORE of who you came to be. Join a new Circle and stir around life’s big, bold questions, beginning with: Who are you? What difference are you here to make?

Your light is needed!

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