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I have come to the realization that Winter Solstice is the universe tucking us to sleep.   It’s during this period that Father Time and Mother Nature prepare us for bedtime.  Allowing us the occasion to slow down,  put our comfy clothes on and giving us the stamp of approval that is not only okay but necessary to unwind from our daily restless compulsions and preoccupations.  Extended nights are upon us offering a wonderful chance to take rest, to forgive, to dream, to smile and to get ready for all the adventures and challenges that await us in the days of our coming New Year.  Rest into your slumber, allow your dreams and desires to reveal themselves.  Take pride in your resolutions for the new day ahead.  Do not judge, but recognize what really is and take comfort that our desires are leading us to our truth. 

 The Winter Solstice the shortest day and the longest night of the year.  This happens in both the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere this is apart of our global experience.  We may experience it at opposite times of the year, but the natural course of nature still holds true. With this Rise and Fall of the Sun’s evolution, comes cleansing and reflection.  As Day is dawning and birth and beginnings occur so falls the night.  A time to be grateful as we tuck ourselves in reflection of the day.  “Good Night” is a phrase to sooth us and keep us reassured that a new day will come.  Yet it’s that time to recharge and reflect.  It’s time to say your prayers and appreciate your loved ones as you tuck into slumber.  Allow your body rest and relaxation, I know it’s hard during this mad rush to the holiday.  But, as you observe, you will see the dust settles and the rituals begin.   Lazy days ahead and long nights to rest and relax.  

When you circle the sun like a planet you realize why at times, you, yourself, feel a personal eclipse.  Your spirit experiences a total blocking of sunlight then you are blasted with the full shining power of your personal solar energy.  It’s a powerful and wonderful vision to hold on to.  Yet millions of light years away the Sun is what keeps our energy charging.  Even though it will burn us if we try to look directly to it for answers we will continue to trust in the warmth and allow our senses to get charged.  Sun Rise … Sun Set.  We will forever follow this cycle, it will be consistent for our entire lifetime. Don’t try to fight nature whether it be the birds and the bees or any Human.  We are spiritual beings participating in one eternal journey via a shared traveling energy. Remember dreams have no sense, they seem sometimes unobtainable and unclear.  Trust that dreams do come true.  Have a Happy New Year Ride around the sun everyone, enjoy it.

I leave us all with a Good Night Prayer… 

A Child’s Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep.
 I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
 If I should die before I wake,
 I pray to God my soul to take.
 If I should live for other days,
 I pray the Lord to guide my ways.

Father, unto thee I pray,
 Thou hast guarded me all day;
 Safe I am while in thy sight,
 Safely let me sleep tonight.
 Bless my friends, the whole world bless;
 Help me to learn helpfulness;
 Keep me every in thy sight;
 So to all I say good night.

Magical Editor – Anita Antonio 😉 

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What captivates us?  Have you ever noticed what stops us cold in our tracks in wonder?   Wonderment can take one to the heights of an incredible sunset or the  feelings of vulnerability expressed by a street performer.  As I reflect on the question of what takes us to these captivating places I realize that the common thread is Wonder.

Do you ever wonder if you are brave enough to allow yourself to be vulnerable?  Would you allow yourself to tap into the “Zone” that we all seek but secretly fear?  Do you wonder as you reflect on that beautiful sunset that you are in a moment of inspiration and it is a special point in time where your pause is what brings out the spirit of wonderment.

Jason Silva refers to these times as “awe moments” where we get to witness mankind open up to a inner wisdom almost beyond our control.  The “Zone” is that place of pure expression, a place where judgement, fear & control do not exist.  Musicians, dancers, singers, painters almost any form of artistic expression gives us an opportunity to go deeper into our true authentic self.  A self that is beyond our human conditioning, an inner power that bursts through your being, freeing you from the chains of prejudice and fear.  

That’s probably why nature is so breathtaking, it owns its power and shows up regardless of the conditions.  Lets face it the sun is going to keep rising and setting regardless if there is an earthquake today.  So if we follow natures examples we too will rise and descend with such grace and beauty.  Let go of expectations we have of ourselves and of others.  Life will organically unfold, it’s a power that is beyond us.  Life is always in the Zone; we just have to surrender to its ebb and flow and enjoy the reflection it sends us. 

In that same regard, being human is an artistic expression.  You don’t have to be a performer to be artistic.  It could be your grace, your smile, the style you have or the way you touch, or in the way you present yourself.  These are all examples and sometimes even more relevant. The feeling of being significant or worthy of attention, is all apart of our human nature.  

When you bear witness to others allowing themselves to align with nature to be their true authentic selves it is magical.  Scientific studies show that if you witness someones magical nature you will receive ten fold more of that magical energy than was bestowed upon the individual expressing their gift.  WOW, isn’t that sensational?  Maybe that’s why the entertainment industry strives regardless of the economic conditions.  

It’s amazing when you stop and look around at all the people watching that sunset – craving and awaiting for that magic to penetrate their spirit.  This ceremonial ritual is not planned nor is it even in our control, it just naturally happens.  Be aware the next time there is a sunset… oh yeah, tonight or tomorrow or most nights … take a quick inventory of the people watching and even the ones that don’t have time to stop due to their busy day but fight themselves not to pause and quickly take a picture.  Great excuse to take a picture, so you have to stop.  Well maybe it’s because you really are drawn to stop and watch another magical moment of appreciation and gratitude.  Which in itself gives me a hope that deep down in everyones human experience is just that human Nature.  A natural draw to want magical wonder… awe ;~)

I want to honor you to allow your unique expression to shine through regardless of the conditions because I appreciate the inspiration and am grateful for our examples we reflect with each encounter.  

Shine on my Crazy Diamond.

Editor Anita Antonio