Sweet Darkness and the Turning of the Year

As I write this, leading up to the Winter Solstice on 21st December, I’m reminded once again of nature’s cycles and rhythms, and of a quiet transition that gently tugs at our sleeve, asking us to pause amidst the hustle and bustle of the joyous yet demanding Christmas countdown.

In many cultures, this is a time to honour the passage between life, death, and rebirth. In yoga and ayurveda, we practise listening to and integrating these natural cycles within our body, mind, and soul.

In our society we seldom consider long dark nights as a source of nourishment. Yet darkness is essential for rest, regeneration, change, renewal and evolution.

I’m not sure whether I’m feeling this more strongly this year, or whether I’m simply more aware of the depth and wisdom this season offers and how my body and mind are responding.

Walking in the Dark

Lately, I’ve found myself preferring quiet walks outside when it’s dark rather than light. There are many delicate Christmas lights shining bright, offering a little sparkle, comfort and hope, a welcome contrast to the cold, foggy December days.

One evening, I extended my walk and found myself at the edge of a wood. I had been here before in daylight, but didn’t know it well. Instinctively, I turned towards the wood, away from any external light, wondering if I was actually stepping onto the gentle, narrow path I knew to be there – somewhere.

It was dark, but I continued calmly and curiously, guided by just enough shadow and shape to see where to place my next step.

Later, sharing this experience with others, it opened a conversation about the comfort and support of being held by the dark. I realised that when I step into darkness in nature, I’m not bringing my mental chatter, worries or concerns with me. The inner critic doesn’t follow me in. I’m held by something much larger. I meet the unknown with my not knowing. I meet uncertainty on its own terms. They see and meet each other.

It reflects the uncertainty I’m carrying right now, a weight I can lay down, trust, and continue walking forward.

Then as a beautiful, open, exploratory conversation often goes, it awakened imagination and ignited a a spark. A friend remembered a David Whyte poem that speaks intimately to this theme. I hope it touches you in a way that offers comfort and hope.

Sweet Darkness

David Whyte

When your eyes are tired
the world is tired also.

When your vision has gone,
no part of the world can find you.

Time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.

There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.

The dark will be your home
tonight.

The night will give you a horizon
further than you can see.

You must learn one thing.
The world was made to be free in.

Give up all the other worlds
except the one to which you belong.

Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn

anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive

is too small for you.

Reflection

Where might you allow yourself to soften into the dark this season, trusting that it, too, can hold and guide you?

 I’d love to hear, share with me and let me know.

A Christmas Wish

My wish for you this Christmas and New Year is that you gift yourself a warm presence and allow space for rest. You’re not escaping, withdrawing, or trying to fix anything but choosing to meet yourself exactly as you are, gently, softly, and with care, creating the conditions to be present with your own heart.

And just as winter holds the promise of spring, moments of rest and retreat prepare the ground for what is asking to emerge and evolve.

With that in mind, I’d love to invite you to join me at the Blausee Yoga & Self-Care Retreat. A magical place to connect with nature, rest, reflect, and nourish yourself. Registration is now open.

Warmest thoughts for this festive time. May you and your loved ones feel cherished, healthy and well.

I welcome and value our connection. Thank you for being here.

Karen x

P.S. For those who asked, I have promised to share more about my Horse and Human Connection Retreat in Austria. I haven’t forgotten, it simply deserves a New Year’s perspective, though it’s deeply connected to this theme of walking in the dark.