The Importance of Light on Well-Being: A Holiday Invitation to Awaken Your Inner Glow
The Importance of Light on Well-Being During the Winter Solstice
As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to recognize the importance of light on well-being, particularly as the days grow shorter in the northern hemisphere. Carrie and I (Ellen) want to send you warm wishes for a joyful and reflective season. This time of year is often filled with social gatherings, parties, and performances—beautiful celebrations of human connection. But amidst the bustle of holiday activities, it’s easy to lose sight of the most important thing: yourself.
Why Light Matters for Mental Health in Winter
The winter solstice marks the longest period of natural darkness on Earth, and it’s a time when many cultures celebrate the return of light. The Christian celebration of Christmas aligns with this, focusing on the arrival of the “Light of the World.” Similarly, traditions such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and the Dongzhi Festival celebrate light as a symbol of hope, renewal, and unity.
From a wellness perspective, light has a profound impact on our mental and physical health. During the winter months, the lack of natural sunlight can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), mood changes, and lower energy levels. Light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which in turn affects our sleep, mood, and overall well-being. That’s why creating light within ourselves becomes not just desirable, but crucial for maintaining balance and joy during the darker months.
Simple Practices to Create Light Within During the Holidays
This year, Carrie and I are embracing some of the traditions of Advent, using this time of spiritual preparation to reconnect with our authentic selves. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin Adventus, meaning “coming,” and it refers to the arrival of light and hope. We invite you to join us in tapping into your own inner light, so that while you are celebrating with others, you can remain grounded in your true essence. Here are a few simple ways to ignite the light within:
Find Simple Joy: During the holiday season, it’s easy to become caught up in the chaos. Take time each day to pause, whether it's through a quiet moment with a cup of tea or a short walk in the winter sun. These moments of joy can help you stay present and connected to your inner light.
More Ease in Family Interactions: Navigating family dynamics during the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Through vocal somatic practices, we will guide you in staying grounded and authentic while interacting with family and loved ones. These practices help you communicate with ease and maintain your sense of self amidst the holiday hustle.
More Authenticity in Life: It’s easy to lose track of who we are amidst the festivities and expectations of the season. By tuning into your voice and body, you can stay aligned with your true self and bring more authenticity to every interaction, whether it’s at a party or a quiet family gathering.
Join Us in Creating Your Light
This holiday season, let’s prioritize creating light within ourselves. By aligning with our true essence, we can share our unique glow with the world. We invite you to join us on Instagram and here for the next few weeks, where we will guide you through practices to help you stay grounded, joyful, and authentic.
We believe that as you reconnect with your inner light, you’ll bring more presence and awareness to every moment. Let this be a season where you shine brightly, rooted in the light that is uniquely yours.
Happy Holidays,
Carrie & Ellen
