Solstice Reflections: Jo-Anne Guimond

Solstice Reflections 2011 is an online gathering of reflections by seven lovely women on the spirit of winter and the migration from darkness to light. My hope is that this may offer you a momentary respite from a sometimes hectic season, allowing you to sit with your own reflections as you enter your personal winter. Click here for all posts to date.

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I am thrilled to be included in this virtual gathering and humbled to be in the company of these wonderful women…

  the winter solstice.

an invitation

to cross the threshold from Darkness

to Light.

 

the winter solstice.

reminding us

that the potential lies within each of us

that the creative power

flows out of the Silence and the Darkness

leading us to a place of Joy and Peace.

 

the winter solstice.

an invitation to trust the Darkness

while readying ourselves

to be the Light.

 

-jag

~~~

JO-ANNE GUIMOND (a.k.a. jag) has lived in Ottawa for over 25 years.  Originally from New Brunswick, she often relies on her camera to help her take a step back from the busy-ness of Life and provide her with the simple focus of her Acadian roots.  An amateur photographer through n’ through, she strives to see the extra in the ordinary and is especially drawn to the integration of words & image and, what she calls, “messages from the Universe”.  Jo-Anne has recently challenged herself by embarking on a 365 photo journey and – although she has come close to quitting more than once – she is bound & determined to make it to the finish line! You can see the path she had travelled thus far at journey 365:: 2011.

Savouring Winter - Online Happenings and Inspiration

Bundled Up, 8"x8" on canvas

Three days into December I'm already feeling a strong call to cocoon with tea and jigsaw puzzles, to fall into a restful state and savour the season. I thought I'd pass along a bit of online goodness that's been inspiring me...

Darlene's (a.k.a. Hippy Urban Girl) December Views. In its fifth year, December Views is a "space for spending time with the visual...to sink in and be with what is in front of you, the beauty you see, the lush imagery that seems to explode in the darkness of this time of the year."

If you're craving a break from words and a shift to images, this is a wonderful way to explore your world this month.

Tina Jett's ideas to celebrate the Solstice and enjoy winter on Scoutie Girl. From outdoor camping to hot winter drinks, this is a great list of activities to help celebrate the season starting in December and all the way through to March.

Leah Piken Kolidas' Winter theme for December over at Creative Every Day. Her Art Every Day Month challenge taught me more than I ever expected. She continues challenging us to be creative every day, this month playing with ideas of winter whether expressed through images, food, decor or any other medium of choice.

The concept of Connie Hozvicka's Soul Hiatus over at Dirty Footprints Studio. Taking a step back from the online world to focus inward and on life with loved ones, this isn't a formal challenge, but a personal one for Connie. I included it here because it inspires me to do the same.

Pixie Campbell's Mother of All Releasings Ceremony. On December 22nd, to honour this year's Winter Solstice, Pixie is inviting us to gather for a collective releasing ceremony to let go of what no longer serves us: "Envision a fire, and see yourself tossing your old worries and fears in there." What a beautifully cathartic way of preparing for the year to come.

If you're interested in joining in, Pixie's graciously offered detailed instructions for creating your own releasing bundle here. You can also create your own version of the ritual.