Celebrate the Light: Embracing Darkness and Finding Hope

When you find yourself at your lowest, loneliest, darkest moment, take comfort in the resilience of our ancestors. They, too, experienced this very moment and, for centuries, have passed along the wisdom they used to survive a long winter. You are not alone at this time.

Leaving behind a history of perseverance, do you know how they made it through the dark?

It wasn’t by suffering, like modern culture encourages us to do. Instead, they looked for the light, literally and figuratively. By acknowledging the darkness, they chose to proceed with joy by creating light in dark places.

Understanding the Cycle of Light and Dark

Winter Solstice Celebration, an ancient tradition celebrated across cultures, marks the year’s longest night. It means the hope of brighter days and renewal is on the horizon. People have gathered around fires for centuries, sharing stories, songs, and rituals to honor the cycle of light and dark, life and death.

The Tale of Two Wolves: A Cherokee Wisdom

The First People pass down this story of the dark and light wolf explained by a grandfather to his grandson:

‘A fight is going on inside me between two wolves. One is evil, full of anger, sorrow, regret, greed, self-pity and false pride. The other is good, full of joy, peace, love, humility, kindness and faith. This same fight is going on inside you and inside of every other person on the face of this earth. The grandson ponders this for a moment and then asks, “Grandfather, which wolf will win?” The old man smiled and simply said, “The one you feed.”

This traditional Cherokee story reminds us that darkness and light are inherent parts of the human experience. By embracing both, we can find a sense of wholeness and balance. We do not have to feed despair. Instead, we can feed the “good wolf” by practicing acts of celebration, expressing gratitude, and nurturing our community.

Finding Your Inner Light in the Darkness

Just look at the world around you. At night, the stars show seeds of light. When we think it will never end, the night gives way to dawn, and the sun slowly rises. It’s a delicate balance, a reassurance that we can accept the shadows without being consumed by them, finding peace in the fact that all things are impermanent.

You might feel down or lethargic during winter, which is normal. It is a time for rest and renewal, validating our need to slow down. By honoring this need, we can emerge from the cold, dark season feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Ultimately, finding light in the darkness is about accepting reality and understanding that most of life is experienced in the polarities’ liminal space, the transitional or in-between phase. We must acknowledge our pain, not deny it or try to escape it. It’s about recognizing the beauty and wonder of life, even in the midst of our struggles. By holding the entirety of our human experience, we can create a deeper sense of peace, joy, and connection within ourselves – even when it feels like the dark will never end.

Ready to find the light? Let’s do it together. Schedule a session with Humble Warrior Therapy by contacting us today to learn more about our therapy services, groups and upcoming retreats. Call (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule an appointment.