The Darkest Night of the Year

The Darkest Night of the Year

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I awoke this morning with the thought, I survived the longest night of the year. Strange musings to bring from the dreamtime.

Even though the actual Winter Solstice is December 22nd, 2011 at 5.30 GMT, 12.30am here in the mountains of North Carolina, the energy of returning light filled me and brightened my day amid gathering clouds and rain.

Thankfully it has been warm here…or warm enough. I’ve been able to be outside on my SUP board paddling the lakes around Asheville during this long wait until I move south in answer to the saltwater beaconing. I’ve begun pulling up roots from the mountains and wanting desperately to feel the water of the Magnolia River on my dried out toes and tendrils. The time between uprooting and re-planting is stressful.

While I love the mountains, winter has challenged me significantly here. Waist-deep drifts at the top of the mountain last Christmas made for great snow-shoeing yet reminded me of the tropical, warm-weather body that houses this soul. Thus far this year, really cold temperatures have remained at bay and given me a reprieve. The new owners of my home haven’t figured out this is where they’re supposed to be so at least I’ve had nice weather for water sports while they put it all together and find their way to their new home.

But this morning….what an amazing feeling to know that I have weathered another season here and am one season closer to living under live oak trees and Spanish moss with the river running her silvery tides through my life. Meanwhile the Gulf rolls to and fro, impatient and ready for me to stand as witness to her cycles and challenges. I understand impatience. I understand longing.

I spent this day closing loose ends and seeking a sense of completion to make way for the new year. The wheel turns and light returns. I survived the darkest night of the year. Joy fills me as rain softly falls on bare branches and nature too feels the stirrings of light amid the darkness.

Point of Light…within the mind of God….illuminate our way.

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