Winter Solstice Gathering

Thank you again for being part of our Winter Solstice gathering. I wanted to share a fuller recap of what we explored together, along with the resources I sent to you afterwards.

We began with a reading from the I Ching on Hexagram 24, Fu (Return), traditionally associated with the Winter Solstice. In the I Ching, the solstice marks the peak of Yin—darkness and stillness—and the turning point when light (Yang) begins its gradual return. Hexagram 24 is shown as one Yang line emerging beneath five Yin lines, symbolizing the end of total darkness and the beginning of renewal.

This hexagram invites a return to one’s original state and encourages rest, deep reflection, nourishing the body, and gentle, natural re-engagement with the world rather than forceful action. It reminds us that even in the deepest darkness, the light has already begun to return.

We then spent time honoring the Fall, sharing memories of the season just passed—joy with family, a Disneyland trip, a traditional turkey dinner, and a general sense of gratitude. Alongside these reflections, we also acknowledged grief for the changing of the seasons. I invited you to imagine wrapping these fall memories around yourself like a warm coat to carry through the winter ahead.

During the Releasing reflection, one participant spoke about letting go of comparison—allowing others to be who they are and giving herself the same permission, referencing the Let Them Theory. Another participant shared her intention to release feelings of low energy and negativity.

As we turned toward the light, intentions emerged around living without comparison, listening more closely to what the heart truly wants, and committing to deeper self-exploration. Another vision of the coming season included light and joy expressed through simple rituals—lighting a candle in the window, decorating a tree with lights, offering compliments to others, and cultivating greater energy and inner peace.

We also explored The Power of Three, inspired by the Irish triadic structure:

- Three qualities to embody and to inspire in others: Participants shared and borrowed from one another, in choosing their three qualities, with a natural overlap. Qualities included joy, creativity, love, and enchantment, with an intention to continue to reflect on their three qualities they want to embody and to inspire in others..

- Three most important things (daily focus): Inspired by the Irish Triadic Structure, this practice invites choosing three priorities each day as anchors for focus and decision-making.

- Three things to remember from the workshop:

  One participant wanted to remember the importance of letting go of comparison and practicing complimenting others—prompted by another participant’s observation of how much better she felt when  offering compliments, and by the interesting synchronicity of encountering the same insight in The Let Them Theory, a book she is currently reading.

  Another participant wanted to remember to cultivate peace through movement of the body and to create energy through movement, as well as the value of giving simple Christmas gifts and offering deep listening as a meaningful gift.

Resources emailed after the workshop:

- Kate Chadbourne videos: Get Organized with This Ancient Irish Hack (on the triadic structure) and Success the Irish Way

- Mary Oliver poem: “The Summer Day”

Thank you for your presence, honesty, and willingness to reflect together. May this season support rest, clarity, and a gentle return of light.

Warmly,

Cheryn