A few Solstice thoughts on the longest night of the longest year

By Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP

Some people say that 2021 has been the longest year. And, as we review the year with its continuing threats and realities of pandemic infection, political turmoil and the great suffering of the earth itself, 2021 certainly has challenged us to hold steady in the face of the unknown and the uncertain.
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However, I can tell you this --  today,  on Tuesday, Dec. 21, is definitely the longest night of the year.

​Dec. 21 is the day of the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the time when our earth and the sun are positioned in such a way that the dark of the night exceeds the light of the day.

Then, each day forward, the day becomes longer by a few minutes, and more and more light light comes back to our world.

Darkness gives us the chance to contemplate, to pause and to rest. But it also calls for light, because the darkness brings challenge and uncertainty -- it's literally difficult to see at night. Unsurprisingly, this is the time when our ancestors decided they needed more light, and these multiple winter holidays around the world and through every culture are all about bringing light to the centuries of darkness.

So let us bring more light. Yes, with the candles, with the strings of little bulbs, the bonfires in the country, the glow of the houses on our streets. But let's notice how we can bring light to each other. That's a challenge too, but it's a good one to have in these days and nights.

Wishing you love and light, and that we may become warm and steady beacons to each other. Happy  holy holidays to each and every one of you.

About Karen

Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP, is the founder of the Lancaster School of Psychodrama and Experiential Psychotherapies in Lancaster, Pa., which teaches transformational learning in a variety of experiential methods and practices, including psychodrama, sociometry, Family and Systemic Constellations, sand tray, group skills and more. Subscribe to her e-letter for professionals and get first notice of training events, Early Bird discounts, helpful links and inspiring and supportive info. You may subscribe here.