Winter Solstice

As the New York winter approaches I hope all of you are enjoying these last few brisk autumn days. Yes, the days are still getting shorter and the air getting cooler as we move closer to the winter solstice on December 21st at 7:04am EST. This day, the day with the least amount of daylight corresponds with the eastern concept of Earth. Heaven and Earth are the two dominating and diametrically opposed forces of the universe (according to Chinese medicinal theory). The interplay of these two forces delineates the changing of the seasons. On June 22nd, the summer solstice, the Sun reaches its zenith and focuses it's energy on the northern hemisphere. This time is considered pure Heaven and is the beginning of summer. The Sun, a giant cloud of burning gas, (ours is 70% hydrogen and 28% helium FYI) shines constant. The Earth, on the other hand, sustains life by being purely receptive to the conditions set by the environment. To put it another way, the Sun shines and this allows the Earth to produce life. Whereas, if the Earth were not here, we can suppose, the Sun would shine anyway. The elliptical shape of our orbit, combined with the rotational velocity, chemical composition of the planet, the sloshing of the tides, and some other unknown mystery stuff and and tad-da! There you have the plants, animals, humans, wireless communication devices and all other wonders that this planet provides.

So…
Even though winter is just about to begin, the days will actually start to get longer. The new solar year begins. Celebrate whatever you want this holiday season but the sun governs the rhythms of this planet. If you want to bring harmony into your life, start by getting in tune with nature. From this point in time, this place of pure receptivity, the next year's seeds of renewal and growth are being sown. This means the time is now, and today is the day. Even if you started your "New Years Resolution" on January 1st you would be eleven days late. During the next month or so there are many great social, cultural and environmental reasons to slack off. On top of your regular set of responsibilities, you have parties to celebrate, gifts to purchase, meals to eat, drinks to drink, deserts to indulge and as a result, plenty of stress (and it's getting cold outside too!). So to those of you who have a foothold on our health and fitness level let's not loose ground. Let us burrow in for a long, healthy winter and set our sights on lofty goals and a bright abundant future. At 7:04am on December 21 the sun reaches the tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere. As soon as it reaches this point (the farthest from us here in NYC) it turns around and heads back up to the Tropic of Cancer. Happy solar new year, spring is on the way!

So…
What can we learn from observing nature, the Earth and the cycles of the sun? Well, since the sun and Earth have worked together to create life since the beginning of time maybe we don't have to reinvent the process. Just as the seeds in the ground await the return of the sun, now is the time to be receptive to new ideas and possibilities. Now is the time to look internally and see how much deeper you can go into your own self-development. Decide now to make 2009 the best year of your life and you will carry motivational momentum into January and beyond. We all know the benefits of working out and getting the necessary exercise. Again, exercise reduces stress, improves mood, prevents heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes etc., etc.. To those of you, who are in a rut, and have not been able to make exercise the vital part of your life that it should be, why not start now? Come springtime you'll be in sync with nature. And just as the US prevents wars by starting them, now is the time to go on the offensive (wait bad analogy)…

Now you, like the Earth, can go inward, consolidate, reflect and set in motion your plan for 2009. Yes, please do celebrate 2008 and enjoy the holiday festivities with friends and family. However, the smart and successful know that now is the time to get on track for 2009. Waiting until January is like starting in last place. Just a couple weeks of slacking and indulging at this time of year will take three months to correct. Get lined up with your purpose now and commit to having the long healthy vibrant life you truly deserve.