In this closing month of the year we have entered into a time of the year’s deepest darkness. We are approaching the winter solstice that marks the longest night and the shift into growing light. According to some First Nations traditions, this time is marked by the Moon of Long Nights. A time when our biology is asking us to go in, to hibernate and conserve our energy.

“These days an appreciation of the season’s darkness and hope is lost in the rush of holiday plans, of shopping and purchasing, of making a list and checking it twice. It is not part of our cultural consciousness to let ourselves be in the dark, to meditate upon the darkness, to listen, to pray. Instead we rush headlong into the light. Many of us zoom past the solstice in a rush of last-minute to-dos, and arrive exhausted on Christmas morning, glad to have survived the ordeal once again…On the Moon of Long Nights, may we begin to be a little more comfortable with the dark, and the mystery it symbolizes. May we remember to sleep, and to rest, to dream, and to talk to the Divine. May we remember that there is no such thing as human perfection and show humility in the presence of all the things that surpass understanding. May we remember that both illness and difference can be gifts, or can carry within them gifts of very great measure. Let us not be too arrogant to accept the gift, or to offer the giver a place at our table. And may that table be full of nourishing foods, with plenty to share.” (Jessica Prentice in her book Full Moon Feast)

As you head toward the final days of 2015 allow yourself this time to go deep within. Revel in the darkness so that you may reflect on the unfolding of the past 12 months. Be still and quiet to hear your hearts wisdom for the coming year.

Here is a full 30 minute Yoga Nidra practice to help you tap into your creative dreams for the year ahead.