The days continue to grow shorter and darker as we approach the end of the month when, finally, we will tip toe into the winter solstice and, minute by minute, honor the ever-so-slow return of the sun. Nevertheless, December is the darkest month of the year, and, in that darkness, we can find meaning.
It is in that darkness – a black that is so black it is almost blue – that we also can most clearly see the stars and the moon, a soft and silvery light. Think about that silvery moonlight on snow and the way the snow crystals flicker. That’s what this month can be too: full of little bits of sparkle that mean more in the deep of winter than any other time of the year.
In the darkness we can find gifts if we look in a different way. Maybe we’re not looking with our eyes in the dark so much but looking with our other senses. I think about stumbling around in the dark at night and how our eyes adjust. We have to open up our senses more to feel our way in the dark. We might as well embrace it.
I try to embrace it by waking up early and lighting candles, sitting there in the flickering light and slowly greeting the day with my coffee in hand, taking little sips at a time. With every sip I give thanks for something. I call it a “coffee meditation” in the dark and I swear that coffee tastes even better in the dark. In that quietness and stillness, before anyone else is awake, I love to let that darkness enfold me like a blanket. It can even feel like a friend.
Not all darkness is difficult and painful. Some darkness can be like that blanket we wrap around ourselves. It is a darkness in which we can close our eyes and rest. It is a darkness that asks us to be grateful and thankful. In the darkness, we can breathe. We can go inside ourselves and rest. Be that little seed in the ground waiting. Be quiet and speak more softly: shh, Mother earth is sleeping.
What kinds of small acts or healthy habits feel good to you in the darkness of winter?
In this month of darkness we have other gifts of light as well.
December may mean all kinds of things to you and your family. It might immediately bring to mind Christmas and all the sparkle and glitter that goes with that holiday. Of course, Christmas celebrates the “light of Jesus.”
And if this month is especially difficult for you or your family, we encourage you to think of any flicker of light that offers hope. Sometimes the small things are especially beautiful in these moments like one person’s smile or the sound of crunching snow. Little bits of light are enough because when things are quite dark, it doesn’t take much light to light up a space. If your heart is strong to be a light for others, count yourself lucky. If not, look for that light wherever you can find it. There is always, somewhere, a blessing for you of light in the darkness.
Happy Holy Days (holidays)!
And here’s to your good health!
It’s okay not to feel okay
If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970.563.5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.
Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out.
And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970.563.5700 to set up a training appointment.