A time of reflection, a time of retrospection, a time of sharing, a time of setting new resolutions, a time of love and togetherness.
Winter marks a season of great spiritual significance a time when cosmic forces and natural energies draw closer to humanity. The ancient wise understood that this is when the Sun, symbolizing light and life, gets closest to our Earth. Coincidentally, this period also aligns with the preparation for the Christian celebration of Christmas (Christ Mass), a time leading up to the birth of Christ. This season invites us to reflect, to look inward, and to make resolutions that will guide us toward personal and collective growth.
WE MUST EVALUATE OURSELVES
The Winter Solstice serves as a powerful reminder to pause and evaluate our lives. It is an opportunity for retrospection and renewal, a time to set goals and affirm our commitment to improvement. As members of the global human community, we should cultivate the ambition to develop ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our goal should be to leave the world better than we found it, to grow in ways that benefit not only ourselves but those around us. This growth requires intention, discipline, and a willingness to embrace change.
Christian Mystics have long believed that life is a process of cyclic growth a journey of continual rebirth. Each time we return to Earth, we have the chance to improve upon our previous experiences, to make our lives better and more meaningful. With each new incarnation, we are called to grow, to develop our physical selves, and to strive for heights that enable us to serve our communities. The ambition to grow is not limited to material success but includes the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and inner strength.
PHYSICAL VS SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Our physical growth is intrinsically linked to our spiritual development. The care and exercise of our physical bodies are essential for the proper functioning of our minds and spirits. Through the discipline of physical activity, we also sharpen our mental focus and enhance our spiritual awareness. However, negativity—such as hate, envy, jealousy, criticism, and hypocrisy—creates toxic energy that hampers our growth. When we waste our time gossiping or criticizing others, we are stagnating, moving backward in our own evolution.
The Winter Solstice, therefore, offers us the opportunity to make new resolutions that promote personal transformation and positive change. It is a time to commit to improving ourselves, to break free from stagnation, and to actively participate in the evolution of our lives. There are countless opportunities for growth in the world, more than we often realize. Spiritual growth cannot be achieved if we remain passive or assume that we are inherently "spiritual" without action.
PARABLE OF THE POUND
Consider the parable of the pounds in the Bible. In the story, a servant who was entrusted with a single pound kept it safe, thinking it best to return it as it was. The master, however, rebuked him for not doing anything to expand it, and took the pound away. This story is a reminder that spiritual growth requires active participation and effort. We must improve ourselves, not just keep what we have, but seek to expand, develop, and share our gifts with the world.
This Winter Solstice, let us commit to waking up and helping to improve our communities using our skills and talents. The time to grow is now, and the world is waiting for each of us to contribute in our own unique way.
Empty barrel gathers no moss. Rightfully said, we must leave the world in a better than we came to meet it.