Are You Afraid of the Dark?

The winter solstice will envelop us on December 21st, marking the first day of not only winter but also the longest period of darkness until next year's winter solstice. What does darkness mean to you? For many it could mean fear, for others space, for some maybe clarity. Go ahead and close your eyes, venture to the space between your left and right eyebrow, the third eye space. Clear that space as if it were a black chalk board. Creating darkness in your mind's eye. What does that darkness mean to you? What is your reaction?

Darkness is not an end but a pause before the light. We must live and breathe through the darkness in order to find the light on the other side. Just as a seed is planted beneath the darkness of the earth, by instinct the seed begins to push through the black dirt to reach above the ground towards the light of the sun. 

To symbolize the seed journeying through the darkness to the warmth and nourishment of the sun, the yoga culture offers the practice of 108 sun salutations on the day of winter solstice. A way to honor and greet the sun as it makes its way back to us in longer days, but also opportunities. The 108 is a representation in many cultures of spirituality, of the oneness in the universe, of being connected to a higher divine energy. The sun salutation cleanses and invigorates, moving the body and clearing the mind for fresh seeds of intention to be planted in the new year ahead. Embracing the dark stillness of winter yet clearing space for the light that is to come when our divine moves us forward into active renewal of a new year. 

Celebrate the longest darkness of the year as a goodbye to the past and a clearing to invite the future. A time to grieve and acknowledge what may have not come to full bloom but also a pause to reaffirm intentions and embrace the possibilities of the year ahead. If 108 sun salutations isn't your thing, try creating your own celebration of darkness. Maybe a journal entry of 108 words. Maybe writing your intention for your 2026 108 times speaks to you. Maybe a combination of 54 salutations with 54 lines of journaling. Or 10 sun salutations with 8 minutes of meditation in darkness. Or eat 108 oreos representing dark cookie and light cream (but not really). The darkness is your canvas! Whatever speaks to you, plan on executing that plan to celebrate on December 21st. 

I know for me the days since the winter solstice of 2024 have taught me many things, I have also stumbled during those same days but also basked in many days of light and joy along the way. I will celebrate both the darkness and light of my journey as a divine seed come December 21st and I hope you do as well. Namaste. 

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Written by

Brooke Halperin