Welcome to the Solstice edition of Regen Notes (Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere, Summer Solstice in the southern)
Winter Solstice
Had we not lost our connectivity and relationship with our environment, today, deep into the dark time of the year, we would be far more aware of a turning. Over the days before and after the Solstice, we would notice the sun, low in the sky, appearing to stand still. We would be aware that nature also seems to stand still and be quiet. We would take time ourselves, to be still and reflect, to celebrate and look forward to the Sun's return, to spring, summer and the natural cycle continuing. (Indeed Solstice translates as sun standing)
Regenerative Self
This is what could all use and need now. Time, in the dark time of year to reflect on 2021’s climate disasters, COP roller coaster successes and failures, low carbons, net zeros and greenwashes, along with ongoing Covid issues. And of our position in the changing climate, the earth and it’s ecosystems in which we live, love, play and work as inter-beings
We all need still time now and to ‘bring our regenerative seeds from the dark into the light’ in becoming regenerative.
(See footnote on slide image used here1 and ‘seed’ inspiration2)
‘regenerative is not something we do, but something we become.’ Emmanuel Pauwels on the 2021 Living Future Europe Regenerative + Agile masterclass.
Year
An album that gets played regularly here is Year by Maddy Prior. Deep in Darkest Night is a hauntingly beautiful tune set on a strange and dreamy seashore, of love and friendship as we wait for the sun's return. But for me the key Winter tune is Red and Green, which becomes a lovely earworm, surfacing every time the evergreen holly with red berry is seen.
Red and Green together be seen,
in the dark time of the year.
The misty sun gives tired light,
To raise the sleeping soil.
It is the red and green colour of evergreen trees that really do stand out in Winter, with the Holly being the evergreen most celebrated. It is a symbol of everlasting life, strength and steadfastness. And, because of its importance at the Solstice a symbol of restored balance and direction, a tree of transformation.
The Shortest Day
Do make time to read this wonderful Maria Popova review on her Marginalian blog The Shortest Day by writer Susan Cooper and artist Carson Ellis celebrate in The Shortest Day (public library)
Can we be Eco-system Architects?
Our last Zoom Regenerative of 2021 was a beautiful and nourishing session with Rachel Sheila Kan, a focus on, but certainly not limited to, the world of fashion. We explored Eco-System Architects, the life of the oak tree and deep time, buildings as living trees and intriguingly as living coral. Themes we will return to in 2022.
Our huge thanks to those who have supported Zoom Regenerative during 2021.
Regen Notes
Regen Notes is a newsletter of regenerative news, stories and more, curated by Martin Brown. It is a companion to Zoom Regenerative events and podcasts where we join the regenerative dots, share the themes and work that invigorates, inspires and feeds our curiosity.
As the last of 2021’s Regen Notes, here’s wishing you a restful, peaceful and festive winter break. The first 27 editions of Regen Notes can be read here.
Slide image art comes from the gorgeous A Velocity of Being: Letters to A Young Reader book edited by Maria Popova and Claudia Bedrick - Art by The Brothers Hilts.
See the Solstice meditation from Resurgence Magazine (There is a Recording here for Winter Nourishment)