Student's Corner: Winter Solstice Meditation
Shawn Cartwright and Yinong Chong, December 2009
Question:
What do we do on winter Solstice?
Answer:
Meditation, Cultivate, and Party Smart!
The winter solstice is recognized by nearly all traditions as an important transition time. In both the east and west, it signifies the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Centuries ago, even Christmas was held on the Solstice. Many celebrate the season with gatherings, feasts, and an exchange of gifts. This year, remember to give yourself something special!
The winter Solstice it the shortest day of the year, after the Solstice, the days begin to slowly lengthen. In Taoist cosmology this represents the re-birth of the Yang energy out of the extreme Yin energy. Ancient Chinese believed that meditation around and on the Solstice could dramatically improve your health and energy levels. According to the ancient traditions any meditation or self-cultivation work you do on and around the Solstice is several times more effective.
Start your winter Solstice meditation at 11 pm the night before the solstice. This is considered the most auspicious time. If you are new to meditation, just sit quietly for as long as you can. If you are experienced at meditation, see if you can meditate for up to two hours. During the day on the Solstice, try to find as much time as possible to sit quietly and meditate. In the old days, people would sit at 5 am, 11 am, and 5 pm.
The Solstice is also a good day for Yang Sheng, or life nourishing, activities. Acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and Qigong are effective. Try to go to bed early and get up later, with the sunrise. Your exercises should be light to moderate exercise. This keeps the blood and Qi flowing without exhausting a lot of Yang Qi. Save the vigorous, sweet drenching exercise for spring and summer.
In the morning, turn your back towards the sun and rub the kidney area until very warm. In the evening, soak your feet in warm water to stimulate the Yang energy. Chomp the teeth 36 times and swallow the saliva. Before you go to sleep, rotate the ankles clockwise and counter-clockwise. You can use moxa on the Three Yin Junctions (SP 6) and Leg 3 Mile points (ST 36) for a couple of minutes, or until you feel the warmth along the leg. It is also a good time to rub the kidney area and the Bubbling Well (K 1) point on the bottom of the feet.
If you like to eat, boil Goji berry, arugula, and Cornish hen together for a nice winter Solstice soup. Foods like lamb, beef and sweet potatoes, traditional holiday fare, are also great for this season. If you enjoy a holiday toast with your meal, try a dry red wine in moderation. For holiday parties, a warm holiday punch made with red wine, nutmeg, ginger, oranges, lemons, and limes is a favorite. For an after dinner constitutional, ruby port or a single malt scotch is a good choice. Remember, food and drink are one part of the holidays, but they should not take center stage. A good holiday guideline is “taste the feast, but stop when you are 80 percent full.”
Enjoy your time together with friends and family, or fully engage in your favorite activity - anything that resonates deeply with you, or makes your heart smile is good "Qigong"!
Peace and Joy to you all!!!