Finding the Stillpoint in the Madness
Yesterday was the last night of Chanukah and the Winter Solstice, and Thursday is Christmas. Interesting that so many traditions celebrate the coming of light at a time of year when there is so much darkness. The solstice represents the still point of nature, when day and night are equal parts, revealing the shortest day of the year. Then the earth turns toward longer days, bringing in more light for the next six months.
I’m particularly aware of being still these last six weeks as I’ve been recovering from a concussion incurred due to an unsafe setup at my local YMCA. It’s been a lesson in patience, acceptance, tuning into my body, and extreme self-care. I am not healing at the pace and way in which I want to… but my body and brain need to. The irony isn’t lost on me that this happened right after I confirmed plans to lead five retreats next year focused on self-care. I’m continually reminded that I must always be a student of what I teach.
My work has been scaled back temporarily while I tend to my season of need in self-care right now. If this wasn’t tempering me enough, I was directed into living in the present moment even more so last Saturday. I have a member of my immediate family* who is a student at Brown University. Needless to say, that night was a time of prayer, faith, and gratitude that our loved one is safe. We offer prayers for the victims, their families, and the entire Brown community.
We are living in an unpredictable, hurting world and need one another now more than ever – to love, be loved, to care, to do the right thing, to speak up… and the list goes on.
Sometimes, we just need to stop, pause, rest, and recover. May you take time to rest in your still point this holiday season, find gratitude, and the next right action when the time is right.
Thank you for being in our orbit. May you feel more connected and enter the new year energized by more of what you love and refreshed enough to tackle the hard stuff.
*Respecting their need for privacy at this time.
Suze Shaner-Brodax is an executive coach and leadership & organization effectiveness consultant. She is also an Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister and teaches yoga and meditation – tools to keep one sane in uncertain times. She helps professionals step up to their fullest leadership, life and growth potential. At times this means getting out of their own way in getting important stuff accomplished. www.sagelead.com.