As the darker days of autumn roll in, many of us begin to notice a shift in our energy and mood. With the leaves falling, the days getting shorter, and the chill in the air deepening, it’s common to feel a sense of sluggishness and melancholy. The cooler temperatures and dark, grey skies stand in stark contrast to the vibrant energy of summer, which can bring about a sense of loss or sadness.
Navigating the Tension Between Solitude and Connection
As the wheel of the year shifts to the darker half, I find myself reflecting on the natural cycles of light and dark within me. At this time of year, I always feel a pull to lay low, slow down, and embrace the cozy moments that autumn brings, while simultaneously yearning for greater wellness and connection with others. I must admit, I enjoy taking it slow, but I know I tend to hover a little too close to weariness and solitary contemplation. It’s a delicate balance—how to enjoy the stillness of this season without falling into isolation.
On this particularly rainy autumn day, I’m pondering ways to hold on to the light, both literally and metaphorically, as the days grow darker. How can I find joy and warmth amidst the chill? How can I emerge a bit from my cozy one-woman cave and nurture connection? I am thankful for my tendency toward reflection, even when I don’t have it all figured out. This year, I’m setting a goal to awaken joy on dark days by creating opportunities for a few more simple moments of brightness.
Samhain: A Time of Reflection and Renewal
Yesterday, I signed up for an online webinar celebrating Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of summer and the beginning of darker days. Celebrated on the eve between October 31 and November 1, Samhain celebrates this time of year as rich in tradition and meaning, giving space to reflect on cycles of life, death, and renewal. Many believe this night blurs the line between the living and the spirit world, honouring ancestors and inviting reflection and connection. It sounds like a perfect activity for poking open my curmudgeonly heart.
Resisting Disconnection: Opening through Shared Experiences
Honestly, I kind of dragged myself to the webinar. I noticed I was feeling a bit negative about it, with part of me wanting to stay closed off and disconnected. Funnily enough, I negotiated with my resistant self by promising I could do some web surfing while listening to the speakers in the background. What was interesting is that as the speakers took their turns, one by one offering stories, songs, and sharing their own experiences of struggle during this transitional time, I found myself drawn into their shared human experiences. Slowly, I began to open up.
In particular, one speaker shared a song that really resonated with me:
Hey Ho! Darker grow the days,
And the winds blow the rains across the land.
See the leaves are falling,
Hear the spirits calling...
This traditional English folk song captures the themes of seasonal change from summer to autumn. The lyrics are beautifully simple, expressing feelings of melancholy and introspection as daylight diminishes. Passed down through oral tradition, its enduring appeal highlights the universal human experiences of change, reflection, and the emotions tied to seasonal shifts.
The Power of Song: Opening the Heart & Spirit
The presenter shared this musical offering with a gentle invitation to sing along in community. As I passively listened to the slow pulsing rhythm of the drums and the old melodic and harmonic structure that feels earthy and ancient, I could feel something stirring inside me. I found myself humming, then singing along. The verse repeats over and over, allowing the profound message of the words to gently burrow in. There is magic that exists even in the dark.
Singing has always been heart opening for me although I tend to need frequent reminders (but that’s for another blog post). As I sang along, aligned with the community in song, I slowly felt the familiar vocal vibrations waking me up, my heart began to soften and my mood became a little lighter.
I then began to consider what an opportunity we have here in these gloomy days. As the external distractions fade—the sun, the activities, the busyness of summer—we can intentionally slow down. We can become quiet, rest with intention, and move through our days with a bit more ease, being gentle with ourselves. We can reach deep within ourselves, allowing whatever arises to be felt and processed without judgment. We can embrace the darkness and allow it as a natural part of the human experience.
Awaken Joy on Dark Days: The Gifts of Being Quiet
And maybe, in those quiet moments, with the low lit sky and the hypnotic patter of rain, we can hear our own spirits calling—a beacon of light guiding us to our sacred place of comfort within. A spark that lies ever ready, waiting to ignite, revealing joy even in the darker months.
How are you bringing light into the dark days? If you feel like joining me in song, here's a video to sing along to.
Feel free to comment, like or reach out. I would love to hear from you.
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