A group gathers to celebrate the winter solstice. Here the turning
of the seasons represents a time to look within, assess one’s life, and
see what is birthing in one’s life. It is a time to speak of the spiritual
threads being woven into one’s life.
Circling around a bonfire, participants share what the season represents
to them. Each is given the opportunity to share a poem, song or other
expression related to the solstice or the winter and its symbolism.
Each takes a turn first to state gratitudes of the past season. Each
then states what he is ready to release (e.g. a behavior, an unhealthy
relationship, a career). Next each states what he desires to feed
in his life within the upcoming season.
The evening ends with a closing circle. The connection of the community
gathered is acknowledged. People may share appreciation and good wishes.
♥
Releasing and Planting
One by one, each person in a women’s group takes a clump of weeds
from a pile. As she states one or more things she is ready to release
in her life, she discards the weeds.
Then she takes some seeds. As she plants them in a cup of soil,
she states what she desires to grow in her life.
♥
Honoring the Speaker
A women’s group uses a talking stick as they gather in a circle
to share. The talking stick serves to designate who may speak and to
whom the rest direct their full attention and their silence. When the
person with the talking stick finishes sharing, she places the stick in
the center of the circle. The next person led within her heart to speak
takes the talking stick.
♥
Silence as a Path to the Heart
A group arrives at their meeting place in silence. They continue
in silence as they share a potluck. Awareness heightens as communication
occurs via eye contact, touch and gesture.
An energy chime is sounded when the meal is complete and the time
for sharing begins. During the sharing time, each person states what
he or she would like from the group. She then has a specific amount of
time to share and to receive feedback or other assistance. The beginning
silence led to a deeper richness of experience in connection, emotional
intimacy and focus.
