What Does Action Look Like?

Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice. It’s the longest night and the shortest day in the northern hemisphere. Energetically, this is the time to slow down, even to stop.

Stopping is not easy in a culture of go-go-go.

This is the time of year when we are inclined to race to get things done, complete projects before the clock strikes midnight on December 31.

Doing Something Doesn’t Always Look Like You’re Doing Something

I took a Yin Yoga class tonight.

It was perfect for the Winter Solstice energy.

Dionne, who taught the class I took at Bodē, reminded us to find the way to enter each pose with ease. Yin is not about pushing; it’s about finding the path of least resistance.

Find the position of least discomfort. A place where you can stay for a while, instead of moving in and out.

We started the class in starfish pose, laying on our backs, our legs and arms spread on the floor. Coming home to our bodies and our breath. Uniting mind and body together.

This is what yoga means: union of mind and body.

She shared that people always ask

When is class going to start? When will we start doing something?

She used to ask this too. We all ask.

Eventually she learned: You are doing something.

This is the hardest lesson to learn.

The Work Cannot Be Seen by the External Observer

In our culture of go-go-go, where hustle and action reign supreme, the question is typically:

How will an external observer know you are taking steps toward your goal?

Unless the external observer is listening to the voice within you, it doesn’t matter what he (or she) perceives.

A better question is:

How will you hear the voice of your inner wisdom telling you where to go and what your best next move is?

Your inner wisdom doesn’t shout over the noise. She speaks in a still, small voice that can only be heard in a place of stillness.

Stillness is the first action. In stillness, you can hear your inner wisdom.

Stillness brings clarity. Peace. Calm.

It takes strength to create space for being. To slow down. To stop. To be where you are.

This is the invitation of the Winter Solstice.

The invitation at the Winter Solstice is

Stop. Go deeper within yourself.

In the darkness of the longest night of the year, what matters is not what others see, but what you hear.

Allow yourself to arrive in your Self. Give yourself permission to stay.

Attune your ears inward.

Listen to the only voice that matters.