Particularly in the northern hemisphere where we live. And the Western Hemisphere where we are situated in Canada.

I'm constantly amazed with the cyclical way nature goes about its changes. Usually quiet and slow to give us time, if we are alert enough, to make preparations for the annual metamorphosis. Or to be surprised, challenged, or even killed if we're not astute.

The adaptations are nothing short of miraculous. You can miss the micro and the macro if you live in southern climes, or if you sequester yourself in your apartment. While so much is going on in the natural world. Awe inspiring.

As the world imperceptibly tilts slightly on its axis by a tiny degree at a time, from June 21st until December 21st. The day of the year our northern latitudes receive the least amount of sunlight in a 24 hour period. Then the very next day the days will start getting longer, albeit painfully slowly.

This decrease in sunlit hours manifests itself in our physiology, human, other animals and plants too. We mustn't forget two very important things, 1, we are animals and very much a part of nature whether we accept it or not, and 2 the planet itself is a living organism.

We should also concede we are not the top of the food chain in most senses. We are as fragile and at the mercy of the elements as an orchid or a rainforest songbird. Which should cause us to bear in mind the fragility of the habitat we depend on for our very survival. This should be on our minds when, as a society, or as a business we carefully balance progress with sustainability.

Without getting all deep and philosophical, we should take a sober step back to see our place in this infinite very incredulous yet impersonal Universe. What better day to take this step than on the day of the winter solstice, to examine priorities.

This isn't a new thing; the ancient Pagans had a name for it; "Yule". The tradition of bringing evergreen boughs into the home and illuminating them has been handed down through millennia.

It's emotionally important/critical for us to personally slow down our pace to coincide with the seasons. Maybe some quiet reflection including some gratitude; maybe some thoughtful planning for short term and long term future goals. Bears hibernate, frogs go into some sort of semi cryogenic state, many plants store their sustenance in roots or bulbs for their Spring re-emergence.

I plan on curling up in some cozy corner to rejuvenate my overtaxed psyche by expressing my thoughts through the written word. And to reflect and project in order to centre myself.

Whatever your situation, I hope you find a moments peace. I hope you are extended some kindness from whatever source.

Just know I will collectively be thinking of you and appreciating your sacrifices and struggles in my own way.

You are not alone.

Love and Peace

Kilty Switch