Winter Solstice Silent Meditation
The Audubon Center and Soul Sanctuary invite you to join us on the Winter Solstice as we continue our Equinox/Solstice meditations at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

About the Winter Solstice:
The Winter Solstice marks the exact moment when half of the Earth (the northern hemisphere) is tilted the farthest away from the sun, making December 21 the shortest day and longest night of the year. From this point forward, we begin to gain more daylight hours again as the Sun’s power grows each day until the Summer Solstice in June.

This is a beautiful cycle that has continued for as long as the Earth has existed.
The Winter Solstice and the subsequent “return” of the sun have inspired celebrations in cultures all around the world to honor the rebirth of the Sun. The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin, ‘sol’ meaning ‘Sun’ and ‘sisto’ meaning ‘to stand still," because it appears the Sun stands still for just a beat on the Winter Solstice allowing us a sacred pause at the start of the Winter season.

Meditation:
Join us as we pause to honor the Winter Solstice sunrise in a silent meditation. The sun rises at 7:16am on the solstice.

What to expect:
7:00am - Begin to gather and appreciate Nature
7:00am - Brief discussion on the Winter Solstice
7:05am - Ready ourselves for a silent meditation as we greet the sunrise
7:10am - Silent meditation as the Sun rises on the Winter Solstice
7:25am - Participants are asked to depart in silence when they are ready

Dress appropriately for the weather and feel free to bring a blanket or camping chair to sit on for the meditation.
This meditation is offered as a free service for all.