During my years in a ski town, winter used to be a season that we all looked forward to – adventures in the backcountry, skiing all day long, après with friends. Yes, it was cold and dark, but that was outweighed by mostly fun days filled with joy, adventure, and community.
As we grew up and moved away, the dark and cold days started to feel different. I’ve noticed how the long nights now seem to stretch endlessly, bringing a quiet that’s sometimes comforting and sometimes heavy.
For many of my family, friends, and clients (and myself), this fall and early winter has been especially difficult. As I write this on the morning of the Winter Solstice, I’m reminded that even when darkness seems to preside over all, nothing is permanent and light will always return.
The Winter Solstice: A Time to Pause, Reflect, and Celebrate
The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year, a moment when darkness presides but also one that holds a special place in the rhythm of life. It’s a time of pause and reflection, of endings and beginnings. As Chani Nicholas beautifully explains, the word “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (the Sun) and sistere (to stand still). On this day, it’s as if the Sun itself pauses—a moment of hush and peace before the light begins to return.
This turning point has been celebrated across cultures for thousands of years. In Chinese philosophy, the winter solstice is a time of balance, marking the harmony of yin (darkness) and yang (light), and the start of the gradual return of energy. Ancient traditions worldwide also honor this day as a symbolic rebirth: Stonehenge aligns perfectly with the solstice sunrise, while Yule celebrations in Nordic countries welcome the return of the Sun with fire and feasts.
The solstice reminds us that even in our darkest times, light is never far away. It invites us to pause, reflect, and find hope in the promise of longer days ahead.
Sitting with the Darkness
The solstice offers an invitation to embrace the darkness, both literally and metaphorically. In our fast-paced, light-filled world—a culture often characterized by avoidance and disconnection—it can feel counterintuitive to pause and sit with what is difficult, painful, or uncomfortable. Yet, it is in the quiet and stillness—in the acknowledgment of pain, fear, or uncertainty—that clarity and transformation begin.
Finding the Light
As the solstice signals the gradual return of longer days, we are reminded that light is never entirely lost. In therapy, this theme of renewal often emerges when clients begin to identify small sparks of hope or moments of growth amidst challenges.
This season, consider ways you can turn towards the light in your life. Because even when things seem dark or you feel lost, light can be found. Perhaps it’s through practicing gratitude, reconnecting with loved ones, or setting intentions for the months ahead. Remember, the light doesn’t need to be grand or blinding—even the faintest flicker can illuminate your path forward.
Use journaling as a way to connect with the themes of the solstice. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can offer clarity and perspective, helping you process emotions and tap into your intuition.
Here are some prompt ideas for reflecting on the Winter Solstice:
- What has this season of darkness taught me?
- What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
- What lessons have I learned during this season of darkness?
- What do I want to let go of as the light returns?
- What intentions can I set for myself as I move into this new cycle of growth?
Integrating Solstice Themes into Therapy
In many ways, the themes of the Winter Solstice parallel the work we do in therapy: sitting with the darkness, finding meaning, and moving toward growth.
As therapists, we can use the solstice as a framework to support clients in navigating transitions, grief, trauma recovery, or periods of growth. The cyclical nature of the solstice mirrors the cycles of healing: moments of darkness often precede transformation. By drawing on this metaphor, we can help clients find hope in the midst of uncertainty and recognize the light within themselves. This process reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding the darkness but about learning to navigate it with grace and trust in the light to come.
For clients who feel disconnected or overwhelmed, the solstice can serve as a gentle reminder that even in the darkest nights, change is on the horizon. Seasonal self-care, such as creating routines that nourish the body and soul, can also be a powerful way to ground during this time.
Final Thoughts
As the solstice approaches, take a moment to honor where you’ve been and where you’re going. Light a candle, breathe deeply, and trust in the turning of the wheel. The solstice reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a turning point—a moment when the light begins to return. And in that light, we find hope, resilience, and the possibility of renewal.
Photo Credits
Photo by Miikka Luotio on Unsplash
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash
About the Author
Sarah Long, PsyD, LCP, CEDS
Dr. Sarah Long is a gifted psychologist with 16+ years of experience helping people to heal from the impacts of traumatic events and recover from eating disorders. Dr. Long leads the Eating Disorder team at Catalyst, provides EMDR, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Dr. Long also uses her expertise in Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment to evaluate complex Eating Disorder cases and provide guidance for treatment.
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