Contemplative Inquiry

Blessings of the Solstice. May it lead to nourishing and satisfying days to come.

Where I live it is Winter. I look outside our window at today’s solstice sunrise. In these first moments, I’m witnessing a slow, ordinary process, in which the daylight gradually announces itself. The effects, here and now, are subtle rather than dramatic. There’s a little pink in the sky, with a sense of darkness dispersing and a growing light. From this vantage point, I do not actually see the sun.

Nonetheless, I experience this beautiful, undramatic moment as complete in itself and also as marking the return of the light. During the coming days the Christmas festival also affirms new beginnings and the calendar begins a new year.

2025 has been hard for many people around the world. I dare to hope that 2026 is at least a little easier. I will look at ways, however small, in which I can contribute to greater human flourishing. I am glad to know that many other people feel the same way.