The Winter Solstice is upon us this December 21st, 2022. A dynamic year of change has passed and we gather our collective memory to receive the blessings and the lessons as we plan the coming future. We give thanks for those who have gone before us, for our presence here today, and for those yet to come. This solstice reminds us of our time to go within, to be introspective, to put down so much of the doing, and recharge for the coming spring. For many it is a time to usher forth the gratitude for life and to remember how to open our hearts to share the bounty of our harvest this year, It is a time to recommit to the goodness of our very being and to allow the love and compassion that we all can express, be more visible. We bring forth the seeds of our work as well as the strength of our nourishments, lifting up our visions and plans for the future, in service and with grace. We are reminded of the Nature of our being, our connections with the many communities that we navigate. For some it is a church/temple/spiritual community, for some a work family, for some the lives encountered and nourished with our family of origin, the four leggeds, those with wings, with fins, tiny creatures that scurry by sometimes unnoticed. It is the acknowledgement of the silent ones that see all, like the trees, providing stability, warmth, deep and often instantaneous healing, foundations for homes, clearing the air, paper of all sorts, carrying the messages of the winds, and speaking a language many have yet to recognize. We gather at this time to simply BE, to offer the prayers that we have held in our hearts, and. to allow the joy of life to fill us again. We, in these moments, are whole. Let it be so for you and all sentient beings. Sending Love to you today and always, Wynne

Starting your meditation with a hot cup of tea can help you to be more present. Start by making your tea, paying attention to every step, the sounds, the smells, the rise in temperature. Sit with your cup and be with it as you allow your mind to quiet, still focusing on your tea. When it is fully brewed, only taking a few minutes, then start with your first sip and fully explore what you are feeling and sensing. With each sip, be aware of the changes in your body, your thoughts, and emotions. Feel the center of your body connected with the earth and each breath connecting you with the heavens. Sit in reverence for the tea bushes, the people who have participated in you having your tea, the purity of the water, and your body as a clear vessel to receive. Here is a recipe for one of our favorite teas! Enjoy!! Yogi Tea - from CJ Add to 3 quarts of boiling water 20 whole cloves 20 cardamom pods 20 peppercorns 5 cinnamon sticks Boil for 10-15 minutes Remove immediately from the heat and strain Boil again for 15-20 minutes Add 1/4 teaspoon of black tea Measure the fluid After 2-4 minutes add 1/2 cup of cold milk or milk substitute per cup of fluid. Drink warm or cool depending on your constitution (hot body drink cold and cold body drink hot).