According to Wikipedia:

"Winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Winter solstice occurs for the Northern Hemisphere in December and for the Southern Hemisphere in June... Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but many cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time."

A change of seasons, moody bodies of water, babbling brooks, towering trees, melodious birdsong, dancing raindrops, the smell of  snow, spectacular sunsets, mountains standing on guard, blue herons in flight, eagles' nests, a harvest moon,  star-sprinkled nights - these are just many of the gifts from nature for which I'm grateful. When I combine a healthy helping of nature with stress techniques, I feel better in a number of ways - emotionally, mentally, physically and/or spiritually.

This year, I feel compelled to observe Winter Solstice. There's a good chance that the book I'm currently reading is influencing my decision to mark the occasion. In Earth-Based Psychology - Path Awareness from the Teachings of Don Juan, Richard Feynman and Lao Tse, author Arnold Mindell discusses the importance of the earth and how it impacts our nature.

I invite you to join me in a half-hour Winter "Soulstice" celebration on Google Video Hangout. Together, we will remember and release the past, celebrate the present and light the way for the future.

Please note that this Google Hangout is limited to nine participants.