If you are in the northern hemisphere, Monday was the shortest day of the year. The Winter Solstice is the moment on Earth when darkness reaches its peak, just before the return of the light. We are reminded that the old must end in order to begin anew. It is a time of stillness, reflection, re-birth and transformation.

I celebrated by beginning the Woman Unleashed online retreat, a free event, with Amber Kuileimailani Bonnici to help me awaken my power, passion and purpose for 2016. Visit www.womanunleashedretreat.com to learn more.

One of my desires this coming year is to truly pause and celebrate the changing of seasons. Being a desert dweller our season changes are subtle and the days flow into months without realizing how much time as passed. I’d like to fully honor the season changes with a small ritual.

Here are a few ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice:

• Spend time with loved ones with a feast representing the season.
• Light a candle. Reflect on your aspirations for the coming months.
• Visit a place outdoors that’s special to you. Consider watching the sun rise or set from your little patch of the world.
• Hold a fire ceremony. Write what you’d like to release and throw the paper into the fire as a symbol of letting go.
• Reflect the stillness of the day by cultivating stillness in yourself. Consider a meditation or hour of silence.
• Build a shrine (or mandala) of nature’s found objects.
• Give to others by donating food or clothing to those less fortunate.

As you light the fire and candles for your celebration, do so with the intention of bringing more light into the world.

How about you? How do you celebrate the changing of the seasons?