Hanukkah & Solstice Blessings

The eight nights of Hanukkah begin today at sundown and Solstice is part of that time, taking place in 3 days on December 21 (the shortest day and longest night). Both are celebrations of life and light amidst the darkness. 

I love the story of Hanukkah, which basically boils down to a tale of hope; the perseverance of a small group of people and the miracle of light that sustained them. 

During each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, a candle is added to the menorah each evening until all eight candles are aglow on the final night. The light in the darkness symbolizes hope, but it actually does much more than that, no matter your religious or spiritual affiliation. 

The twinkling and shimmering flames connect with the light within each of us as we journey through the longest nights of the year. 

The Solstice marks the end of a solar year and a beginning of a new one. 

If you are feeling hopeless, anxious, or disconnected right now, I want to encourage you to light a candle and stare at the flame. As you breathe deeply, steady your gaze and receive the light with all your senses. This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice called tratak. It helps to build the essence of fire energy within us: resilience, focus, hope, and inspiration. The menorah also serves this purpose as a daily practice during Hanukkah. As you gaze at the flames, consider what seeds of intention you want to plant in the fertile and expansive darkness that will grow with more light of the coming solar return?

Let me know if you try this, and how it feels afterward. 

I also offer you this poem to welcome the coming solar year, beginning on the Solstice (Wednesday, December 21, 2022).

May the light of your soul by John O'Donahue
May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work
You do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those
Who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden you.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams,
Possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.

Wishing you a blessed Hanukkah & Solstice!

With love and light,

Hannah

ps- My 2023 Events  page is now up on my website. Lots of amazing collaboration, community, and evolution awaits you within Heartfelt Wellbeing next year. Join me!

pps- Keep in mind that Evolve, my online, self-paced, Ayurveda course for busy women is going to double in price on January 1, 2023. If you want to get in on the savings (and have a lifetime membership to an awesome community), don't hesitate! It makes a great gift too!

ppps- If you would like a little daily dose of breathwork support, join me on Instagram for my 90 second December Days of Ahhhh sessions.