As the light faded today on the shortest day of the year, myself and my little dog Luna took a few moments to pause and appreciate the view from Howth Head – and took a picture to share some of those moments with you! Winter Solstice holds special significance for me – perhaps because of the ancient celtic rituals that are associated with this special day – the day when the sun begins the journey once again towards the glorious long days of mid summer. A time to pause and reflect on the year that is drawing to a close – with all its gifts and challenges – and a time to sew seeds for how I would like to step into the new year approaching. It always strikes me as being a strange time of the year, when nature slows down and darkness draws in, while the speed and activity of Christmas pull many of us in the opposite direction! It can be a time of such opposites – a time of joy and laughter and abundance and togetherness and a time of sadness, loneliness, loss. As I walk ever deeper into my own life and follow my deep commitment to live with awareness and heartfulness, I come to know how both aspects of my humanness – the knowing and living of light and the knowing and living of darkness – are inevitable and essential parts of the journey. It is how we work with what is presented to us that is important and our ability to navigate both essential terrains of our experience – light AND dark – is where the jewels lie…..when we are courageous enough to look for them!

As we move towards the end of 2016 and the beginning of another year I would like to share my version of the song Suantraí ár Slanaithéora (The Christ Child’s Lullaby) with you. May it gentle you through the days to come and guide your steps into a New Year filled with kindness, gratitude and generosity – towards yourself and towards others.

If you are interested in taking part in any of my workshops or musical events in 2017 please do get in touch – dates of scheduled events from January to March 2017 will be posted over the coming weeks. First up will be an eight week mindfulness course starting in Dublin on January 10th – details on my Facebook page.

Blessings from my heart to yours at this Solstice time!

Fionnuala 🙂