RETREATS + PROGRAMS

WINTER SOLSTICE

Reflect, Reset and Prepare

Monday morning is the Solstice in Berlin (Dec 21, 2020 at 11:02 am): Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, Summer in the southern. It's a turning point when the Earth’s angular relationship to the sun shifts. The Winter Solstice represents both the darkest night of the year as well as the returning of the Sun, the ultimate source of Light. We honor the return of the sun, when the days slowly begin to become longer. It is a perfect time for reflection.

The Yule season is full of magic—,a time to focus on rebirth and renewal, as the sun makes its way back toward the earth. Focus on this time of new beginnings with some magic-infused ritual

SIT IN THE DARK:

Silent Meditation + Journaling

MEDITATION

Set up an altar with candles and any other items you feel need to be there (plant branches, crystals, photos of loved ones, sparkle and color, etc.)
Clear a space that feels quiet and comfortable and find your ‘comfortable seat’ (Sukhasana).
Set a timer if needed. Sit in silence with yourself to reflect on the past year. As if watching the scenes play on a viewing screen in front of your Brow Center. See what comes up as you rest in the Seat of the Witness.

JOURNAL: Possible prompts

What did this year teach me? How did I grow?
What is the one word that defined my year, and why this word?
What did I learn about myself in relation to the world?
What lesson was the hardest to learn and when did I learn it?
What were the highlights or silver linings of this year?
Which habits served their purpose for this year but do not need to carry on with me into the next year?
Who did I meet this year? Who did I say Goodbye to?
Which lesson is the Universe still trying to teach me?
Which places in me do I need to nurture more? How can I do this?
How do I want to feel by the next Summer Solstice? The next Winter Solstice?
Dream List: Make a list of everything you resolve to try, see, taste/cook, or improve upon in 2021.

Space Cleansing Ritual: Clean House, Clear Mind

Material Stuff: Think back on the last year and about any and all the clutter you may have accumulated. Do not keep things you don't like, don't need, or don't use—and maybe journal about ways in which you will consume more sustainably for this coming year. The less physical clutter we have around us, the easier it is to function on an emotional and spiritual level.

Donate clothing and shoes that are in good condition to charities or local groups.

Rule of Thumb: If you haven't worn it, used it, or eaten it in the past year, donate it or throw it away.

Clean Your Windows: The Portals to Light

Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 Liter warm water, fill into a spray bottle and spray down your windows, inside and out. If you have curtains, take them down and launder them.

Extra: Wash your mirrors too, using the same mixture. As you see your reflection in the mirror, visualize cleaning away negative energy from your life.

Clear out Dust & Dirt: If you have carpets and rugs, sprinkle them with baking soda and give them a good vacuuming. Move the furniture around to clean beneath each piece — it's time to get all the dust out of your house!

DREAM WORK

Set a Dream Intention for 3 nights:

Before bed, set a piece of paper and pen (or a journal) next to your bed) and place your phone in another room for the night. As you lay in bed at night with eyes closed, consciously slow the breath down as you repeat to yourself 21 times:
I remember my dreams with ease. I have excellent dream recall.
Upon Waking: capture any remnants or fragments or scenes that you can recall. If you recall something later in the day, capture it then too.
Repeat for 3 nights.
On the 4th day look back through your notes and see if you can pull out any themes, scents, symbols, or archetypes represented through characters who made an appearance, etc. Journal what you notice. You can also interpret the messages through the lens that you are every character in the dream, if that feels relevant to the nature of your dream(s).