During autumn, the light outside is dwindling. Slowly but surely, the days are getting shorter. We notice how early the sun sets in the evening. There is no time after dinner to go for a walk in the light, so we walk before eating. I want to experience the light before it disappears
Walks in Nature
When my children were young, we would call it a “beat the dark walk”. The sun would already be low in the sky at 4:30 p.m.. On our walks, we would observe and collect things – acorns, leaves, rocks, and pinecones. At home, we would display our treasures on a “nature table”, an altar to honor the natural world that holds and sustains us.
With my children grown, I still walking before dinner in the fall and winter. I collect things on walks or in my garden and arrange them on a table indoors. It gives me solace to connect with nature, recognizing its ever-changing aspect within predictable rhythms. That’s one of the ways, I tend to the little light of mine, the light within.
Community Celebrations
Since my children and I (as a parent and teacher) were in a Waldorf school, we have celebrated a festival of light in November, called Martinmas, named for the generous spirit of St. Martin. The story is that when he saw a man begging, he got off his horse, tore his cloak, and gave half to the beggar. In this festival, we walk with lanterns in the early evening singing songs about the light. We remember that generosity is a gesture that stokes the light within.
When we gathered in community to celebrate festivals like Martinmas, our light glowed stronger and brighter. We radiated and reflected light amongst us. Each year, I wonder how I will kindle the inner light. How will I remain warm and radiant throughout the cold, dark months that lie ahead?
A Gratitude Practice
A practice of gratitude kindles the light within. It keeps me focused on what is good and expands my heart to hold more good. This year I am so grateful for health, defined as the ability to address whatever is happening as opposed to being symptom-free. I am grateful for my family, whom I can see more than I did last year. for my home, my work, my friends, my community, and so much more including gratitude itself.
It is perfect that the holiday season begin with Thanksgiving, the celebration of giving thanks.. Gratitude is an attitude or an energy that warms the heart and kindles the inner light. Practicing it reminds us that we are blessed right where we are, with what we have..
When I appreciate nature, gathering with others, and gratitude itself, I align my insides with what I long for outside of me. When I write, I light a candle to remind me of the light within, to carry it with me wherever I go. There is no darkness so great that it can snuff out the light within, much like the light outside may grow dim, but the sun does not cease to shine.
Think of the darkness of winter as a womb that holds us while we grow our capacity to kindle the light within. What will I bring with me into this womb? I intend to bring compassion to stay calm, centered, and kind. I am often surprised by what I discover within myself. Whatever it is, I embrace it. I know that in the darkness, I find the light.
Those three simple ways that I tend the light within – walks in nature, community, and practicing gratitude- are simple, available to everyone.. Have you discovered ways to make your little light shine, to keep it glowing throughout the upcoming winter?
Share how you kindle your inner light by posting on my FB page or emailing me at judith@judithfrizlen.com.
Together, we can let our lights shine illuminating our souls, our communities, and our world! Imagine that.
