The Winter Solstice

The solstice is occurring on the 21/12/2025, also marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. While the darkness may feel overwhelming, it also signals the turning point toward longer, lighter days ahead. As therapists, we recognise the unique challenges and opportunities this time presents for some, while for others this can be fertile ground for personal growth and healing.

The Symbolism of the Solstice

For centuries, the winter solstice has been a symbol of renewal and hope. Many cultures celebrate it as a time to reflect, let go of what no longer serves us, and set intentions for the coming year. In therapy, we can harness this symbolism to inspire our clients to embrace change, cultivate resilience, and find light even in the darkest of times.

Managing Seasonal Changes

  • Recognise Your Feelings: It’s natural to feel lower in mood during the darker months. Acknowledge these feelings without judgement and remember you are not alone. Whereas some of us AKA Moi, come alive now, I adore the darkness and see it as an opportunity to retreat from the world temporarily, metaphorically hibernating on a level.
  • Stay Connected: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Connection is vital, especially when the days are short and the weather is cold. Feel free to share your reflective voice notes with me. Or more importantly connect with yourself, tap into “your truth”, because my goodness our truth is always so beautiful in a safe space.
  • Embrace Routine: Establishing routines around sleep, nutrition, and physical activity can provide stability and comfort.
  • Seek the Light: Make the most of daylight hours. Even a short walk outdoors can boost your mood and energy levels. Our pineal gland fairs well with daylight exposure especially in the mornings. This increases natural melatonin and helps the sleep/wake rhythm.

Practice

The solstice offers a unique opportunity for introspection. Consider journalling about the following questions, either on your own or in therapy sessions:

  1. What/who/ am I ready to release from the past year that’s now expired? What lesson did this/they teach me?
  2. What/who has brought me light and meaning, even in difficult times. Or the greatest lesson from this year?
  3. What intentions do I wish to set for the months ahead? Write down a list of ten intentions for yourself moving forward. Think small to begin with, then GO BIG! By now you will have had enough conversations with me how this works!
  4. Tell your people or even just one person how much they mean to you and why, this is a beautiful gift to share with someone. Go all in! I dare you.

Self-Care Ideas for the Season

  • Light a candle and practise mindful breathing, focusing on the flame as a symbol of hope. In yoga we call this Drishti.
  • Prepare nourishing meals with winter vegetables, appreciating the comfort hearty nutrition they bring.
  • Listen to music or read poetry that uplifts your spirit. Share with your tribe, sharing is caring. Feel it all with passion and to the depth your soul will allow, really reflect.
  • For those of you who are overwhelmed with the pressures of the festivities and socialisation, what if you celebrate the JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out and doing what makes YOU happy on your terms.

Closing Thoughts

The winter solstice teaches us that darkness is temporary and that with time, light returns. May this season be one of gentle reflection, hope, and renewal for you and your loved ones. Remember, when we embrace our darkness our light shines even brighter. There is much treasure to be found in our shadow as many of you know.

Get Curious

The 31st of December will mark the end of the 2025 calendar. I would like to share with you a ritual I do. I plan to do something different. Whatever randomness I decide, it’s irrelevant, it’s the tradition of breaking away from the expectations of NYE. A celebration of life in a different way. Then I write to the universe with thanks, and then a list of which I wish to manifest in the coming year. My list always manifests. Always!

See you soon sweet soul

AWB x