Dear editor,

The beginning of winter is a time for hibernation. For quiet, for reflection, for stillness, for rest, for calm, for tranquillity, for healing, for stop. A time to unwind, to be a sloth, to pull the curtains, get under the covers, close your eyes, 鈥渢o sleep, perchance to dream,鈥� to pause, to go inside (oneself), to ruminate.

The return of nature鈥檚 light doesn鈥檛 begin until after Dec. 21. These first three weeks of December are a gift of the dark.

Why does our society persist in the excess of light and noise and hype during this time? Why does our society persist in denying this space in our year, in our season, in our cycle?

Just like we (North American society) tend to deny and avoid the concept of death. Even the word 鈥渄eath鈥�, by using euphemisms such as: passed on, passed away, passed over, crossed over, etc. We also deny the dark, this magical time of year. A time of letting go, of surrender, a time of germination and mystery.

December is a time of gestation in the womb of Mother Earth. We are on a consumer merry-go-round and there鈥檚 no stop button. All the more reason to take a deep breath, go into the dark and embrace the silence.

Chris Morrison,

Comox