Winter Solstice 2023 – my last post of this year. Where I live in the Northern Hemisphere, there will be more than 15 hours of darkness tonight. It is a time to gather inwardly, to reflect on the shadows of what has been, to practice being comfortable with uncertainty, and to hope bravely for the coming light.
I came upon a phrase today from a campaign to protect wild buffalo herds. “Place-based coexistence”. It makes me think of the place where I live, the forest that I see from my window every day and the life that is sustained here – the flora and fauna, the lichen and moss. We are all to be plunged into darkness tonight. We all breathe the same air, soak up the rain, turn our faces to the light. I want to be mindful of all that is turning together in the Earth’s orbit. I want to celebrate our interdependence.
I think about the relatedness of all Beings in this web of existence and reflect on my actions. Have I been kind, gracious, patient? I think of the quiet days of coexistence that passed while I gained the trust of two cats I was tending for a friend. After days of being stared at from the safety of the bedroom closet, I earned the company of a purring furry friend beside me in front of the woodstove while I read a novel. This has been a long year of waiting and hoping for relationships to heal and grow. I have spent more time in deep observation and reflection and learning than I ever have before, I think. I am grateful for that.
I think of the positive actions I have taken, the aspirational direction of my thoughts, the building, creating, and rising to which I have challenged myself – physically, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally. During this dark time, I want to gather the energy to do more of that.
Finally, I remember that these moments of my life that add up to a year are as ephemeral as soap bubbles. Although they glisten with a rainbow of colors and take my breath away in their flight, they do not endure. They may instruct me, but they must not enchant me and lure me from attending to the present. This is a very difficult lesson for me. I have a photographic memory (as I’m sure many Lens-Artists do), and I find it easy to slip into my mind and out of reality. When I find myself doing this, I can choose to focus on the breath that comes to me, new, every minute. With this breath, and this awareness, I can create new glimmering bubbles of love and light, a gift in real time.
scillagrace 
Excellent read. Let us remember through photographs and memories. Oh that beautiful cat.
Thank you. All the best to you in the New Year!
Priscilla, what an inspirational post you wrote. I loved the phrase you quoted (“Place-based coexistence”) and the steps you have taken to follow that. We all need to do more of it.
Thanks! We do have a lot to learn.
Sometimes I wish you had a podcast and we could hear your voice “sing” your words. Thought provoking and enlightening is what I take away today. Celebrating interdependence, yes. Coexistence, yes. And well done convincing a cat of that. The last paragraph is so deep and something we should all read, and reread. Loved all the photos, to reflect your thoughts with precision. donna
Thanks, Donna! I have enjoyed re-discovering my “voice” on this blog. 🙂
Dear Priscilla… many thanks for another thoughtful/lovely message. Even though I don’t respond to you for sending them, I read them all and am moved by them! My beloved sister would be so touched at your messages to me. Anne Louise was always so thoughtful & sensitive… and I’m grateful you have her gift. With Love and warm wishes to you and your family, Aunt Sandy
Dear Aunt Sandy – I’m so glad you enjoy these posts! I am thinking of my Mom so much these days as I sing in Christmas concerts and think about New Year’s Eve. I appreciate her every day in mindful remembrance, with love. ❤
Well Priscilla, you have had a year of reflection and of building – understanding the past and making your best effort to create a new future. You should be so proud of the progress you’ve made and the mountains you have climbed. Here’s to return on your investment as you continue to evolve in the coming year.
Thank you so much, Tina, for your kind encouragement! ❤
Great photos. Love the cat! We should all be blowing bubbles. 😉
I’m forever blowing bubbles…. 😉
Thanks, John!
As ever you have a wonderful way with words my friend, caring and meaningful. I have not visited the blogosphere much this past year; a year which seems to have been filled with other things . I have much to catch-up on, if that is even possible. What is constant is my awe at how you progress through life’s changes and challenges . Much love xx
Dear Helen, thanks for visiting my site. I hope you always enjoy returning as if to a garden to see what’s in bloom. ❤
A perfect post to finish the year. Have a wonderful 2024.
Thanks, Sofia!
You write it so well…and I know you look forward to another trip. You do it so well, Life and all the love and the hardships, the sorrow and the happiness. Thank you for being out there for us. Much love and big hugs from me, Ann-Christine
Thank you, Ann-Christine, for your kind words and big hugs. Those are the greatest gifts of the season and of the journey!
❤️
a wonderful selection i especially like the last picture
greetigs robert
Thank you, Robert!
Beautiful last post for 2923 Priscilla. Life is what we make of it. My choice in 2024 is to live in gratitude. Looks like you’re already doing that. Have a wonderful year.
Thanks! You too, Anne!