The Winter Solstice is on Wednesday, December 21st! For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the shortest day of the year when the sun sets around 4:47 pm. As a day that predates history, the Winter Solstice has held many meanings for different cultures, but a common theme is new beginnings. Often called the Longest Night, the Solstice marks when the days gradually become longer thanks to more sunlight. While some cultures view this as midwinter, it marks a period of darkness before rejuvenation or spring. Before the sun returns, be inspired by nature to take a moment to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the new season. At Sierra Club, we take this time to look at our own values and align them to what nature is communicating during this time.
What is nature communicating to us during this time and how are our Sierra Club Values showing up during this time of the year?
Balance - Winter is a time to use your senses to appreciate the stillness, calm and quiet to allow ourselves an opportunity to reflect and balance out the rest of the year. What do you see, smell, taste or feel in nature that says slow down, recharge, and be at peace?
AntiRacism - December is a month to celebrate the diversity in our cultures. What ways can we as Sierra Club members participate and learn about the people in our communities who celebrate different holidays and traditions?
Transformation - The Winter Solstice is one of the best examples of transformation. What lessons can we take from nature as we reflect on our own transformation as an organization, group, committees, individuals. Have we used opportunities to grow and transform? What opportunities lie ahead to challenge ourselves to view things differently and expand our relationships to grow our awareness of how we are connected to nature and each other.
Collaboration - During the winter months collaboration is needed for survival in nature. What examples of this do you see in nature? Where have you collaborated for the betterment of others this year? Where are there opportunities for more collaboration and less top-down leadership?
Justice - Acknowledge the Winter Solstice as an act of decolonization. When the land of Ohio was colonized, indigenous people were separated from the land and each other. By acknowledging the Winter Solstice we honor and value the connections indigenous people have with the earth and reflect on the injustices done through colonization. As Sierra Club Members, how have you worked toward justice for those who have suffered environmental injustices? How can we work towards building connections and relationships to work for environmental and social justice in the new year?
As we approach the end of the year, we are so thankful for the work that Sierra Club Ohio volunteers and staff are engaged in and look forward to new opportunities that lie ahead during this time of transformation for the club. May the calm and peace of the Winter Solstice be with you.