Solstice and Hanukkah

Solstice and Hanukkah

nights are still stretching longer, it's just a bit in each direction of the day, with the sun setting early in the evening and its rise being further away each morning. This will continue for another 11 days, we're fast approaching winter solstice and then this trend of darkness will reverse course. I look forward to tracking sunrise earlier, as being outside each morning before even a hint of light brings a certain sensitivity to its approach. I'm becoming a student to the different shades of darkness and the quality of first light. And this has helped me deal with my own moods of darkness, as if I'm linked to the rising sun, and each morning fills with me just enough light to illuminate these winter days. 

we do what works for us. 

and even a little light is helpful. 

I'm not Jewish, yet I love Hanukkah, being in essence a celebration of light, eight days of oil lasting as a display of faith and hope. It's a beautiful holiday, a lasting tradition in the belief that we all contain an eternal flame that will carry us through our darkest days. Solstice and Hanukkah are my symbols of light and resiliency. Both show me that even a little light is often a great miracle of faith. There's just enough oil in every lamp, and everyday will only get so dark before dawn arrives. 

Solstice and Hanukkah.

celebrations of a dimmest light that refuses to be extinguished. 

we can all survive our darkest nights. 

and from here...

each day grows brighter through our faith. 

~

Peace, Eric