Blessings and the celebration of these is a theme at both the Winter and Summer Solstice. In winter, we remind ourselves of our blessings in the darkest times of challenge and lack; in summer we fully embrace these blessings with the full knowledge that they are transient and can never to be taken for granted. With both festivals, the key is the acknowledgement and thankfulness for all that we are gifted with: the earth’s bounty and generosity, its beauty and wisdom; the warmth and support of companionship, family and community; the cherished expression of our creativity…there are infinite things to be grateful for. The more we look, the more we see.
I was listening recently to a Neurologist talk about the dangers of complaining. They said that when we repeatedly complain and focus on the things that are wrong in our lives, we are rewiring the brain to perceive only problems and dissatisfaction. The simple law of Magic – that which we focus on will grow – appears true, even in a purely physiological sense. Not only does our perception of the world shrink and narrow when we are chronically negative and complaining but our brains are changed by it: neural pathways are rewired, our prefrontal cortex is impaired and our hippocampus shrinks, all of these things impacting on our ability to emotional regulate, problem solve and manage stress. There is even evidence that suggests having to listen to someone’s negativity can impact on the listener’s brain in unfavourable ways. We kind of know this don’t we? We have all encountered those people who drain our energy and lower our mood with their incessant complaining. All of this would indicate that being mindful of our own negative self-talk – and the way we might talk negatively to others – is really important. Of course, this does not mean that we should be toxically positive, ignoring genuine problems and injustices but it does show how important it is to truly see the good that exists in our lives and world, even in the presence of pain, fear and challenge. It reminds us how vital emotional self-regulation is and how we could all benefit from learning techniques to enhance the skills of self-soothing and self-reflection. It illustrates that our brains are magical tools capable of widening the lens though which we see, opening doors, re-enchanting the world in ways that could genuinely benefit both ourselves and others.
Let’s face it, we all moan and complain sometimes and we shouldn’t forget that a problem shared can be a problem halved – we all have situations where it is important to reach out to others when things are tough – a genuine human exchange of love and support is vital and really isn’t the issue. It is the habitual and chronic expression of negativity, a habit we can slip into, that can be the most damaging and the most difficult to acknowledge and let go of. There even seems to be a neurological reason to this too: we all get a little dopamine hit of pleasure when our moaning gets us some validation or attention. It can be a tough habit to crack…
Reminding ourselves to regularly focus on the beauty, the gifts, the many blessings that the Solstice graces us with, is not an empty act, it is a radical magical act of simple but profound power and in a world overridden with conflict, polarisation, fear, anger and hopelessness, it is also a vitally important act too if we are to find a way through our challenges, both personally and globally.
I am sharing below a little ritual I have often performed at the Summer Solstice to recognise and honour the many blessings in my life. You might like to try something similar this Solstice season. It can be adapted for any season or any time, whenever you feel the need to remember the good things in your life.
Happy Solstice to all! xxx
The Abundant Flower Blessing: That we may focus on the good things in our lives.
Pre-ritual:
In your own time prior to the ritual, make an abundance flower, performing a kind of mini ritual as you make it. Settle yourself, call in the circle and guardians if this feels right. Cut a round piece of card (the size is up to you and depends on how big you want your flower to be), and several petal shaped pieces of card (again the size and quantity is dependent on how big your flower is and how many blessings you wish to acknowledge). Choose whatever colours feel appropriate
Perform the following:
Pick up your round card and say,
Write on the card ‘The Blessing of the Gift of Life’. Now take the petal shaped pieces of card and on each of these write something good about your life; a blessing for each petal. As you finish each petal, place it around the centre card until you have created an open flower. When the flower is complete, stick it on a piece of card ready to bring to your ritual.
The Ritual:
Perform the following:
Hold up your flower to your heart and say,
This flower is the blossoming of my life; a joyful reminder of all the abundant blessings I possess.
If you feel comfortable doing so you may read out your blessings –whatever feels right for you. Then ponder on the centre of your flower and say
Now hold up your flower to the sun (or in the direction of the sunrise if it is overcast) and ask for the blessings of the Sun upon your life in your own words. Visualise the sun rising up through your body, its golden light filling you until it bursts out of your head, showering your whole aura in its golden light. See your flower of blessings and abundance blossoming in your heart. Give thanks and give a gift of your breath (the most precious thing you have).
This can also be done at anytime when you want to give thanks and acknowledge all that you have in your life.
