Solar Year More Important Than Calendar Year

Now that both the beginning of the solar year (winter solstice) and calendar year (New Year's) have passed, I have been reflecting on just how much more important the solar year is for me at this time in my life.  When I was younger with no spiritual or physical connection to the land, I would fall into the consumer trap at Christmas, then stay up until the break of dawn on New Year,s day swilling spirits and smoking cigarettes one after the other, then feel bad for what was then the first day of my new year.  Now, with much of my life's activities and well-being revolving around the seasons and the land, I look back and wonder how in the world I could have led such an unfulfilling lifestyle.  Don't get me wrong.  I still like to party, but there is much more meaning in this time of year than meets the eye.  Mid-December is a time to strengthen bonds between family and friends, bless and decorate your home, and share with those in need.  Although the winter solstice signifies the first day of winter, we still rejoice in the fact that the days will become longer minute by minute each day until eventually a tipping point between temperature and amount of daylight is reached where all living things begin to come alive after their seemingly long dormant spell.  Being close to the land and witnessing this renewal is indeed spiritual and an important component of one's  mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Comments

[barbara]

Your post displays the importance of people feeling and knowing the land in order to respect it. So many are out of touch with everything in nature -- it is no wonder this nation is in trouble with water pollution, toxic chemical use, poor farming methods, etc. Good post -- barbara

[Thomas Key]

Hi Barbara:

You hit the nail on the head. Most people are so out of touch with nature and don't realize that it negatively affects their health and well-being. Thanks for the comment.