In the northern hemisphere, December sees the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the time of Yuletide, a pagan tradition. It is also the time when days get progressively longer until June 21st, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Lack of natural light is implicated in SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and can have an effect on the body’s circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle).

Orange essential oil is beneficial in elevating mood (the sunshine scent) and fruits in the orange family are in season this time of year.

Your challenge today…light a beeswax candle (rather than a yule log) to recognize going from darkness to light and have a clementine, mandarin or tangerine as you sit next to the amber glow. Music meditation for your candle moment: I am light by India Arie.