Farm School: Solstice, December 22, 2011
*Provided by Gamma at Farm School*
On Dec. 22 we
celebrate the winter solstice. And as we all know, this marks the Christmas
holiday season which in many places around the world has become more of a
commercial holiday than a spiritual one.
During this
time of great change on the planet, people yearn for a deeper way to work
spiritually and to celebrate holidays. People yearn for deeper and more
authentic ways to connect with each other. During the holiday season many
people feel empty and some people get depressed.
In indigenous
cultures it is believed that everything that is alive has a spirit and we live
in partnership with the spirit that lives in all things. For it is believed
that all of life is connected to a web of life. And together with all of life
we live in a place of cooperation and partnership. It is important to honor and
respect all of life that is connected to this amazing web.
Traditional
food and drink offerings are left by the tree. The shaman in the community
chants and gives thanks to the helping spirits for carrying the prayers of the
people up to the universe so that the dreams manifest back on earth.
People tie
ribbons loosely on the branches of the tree. As the tree will continue to grow
it is important not to choke the branch with a ribbon that is tied on too
tight.
The ribbons
tied on the tree are empowered by individuals in the community with personal
prayers as well as prayers for loved ones, families and for the community
itself.
In celebrating
the solstice this year you might want to consider creating a prayer tree in
your community. Start by giving thanks to the tree in a way that calls to your
heart. Intention is the key. Bless this tree with the love in your heart as
this living being works in partnership to carry prayers to the creative forces
of the universe.
Loosely wrap
different colored ribbons that contain prayers for yourself, your loved ones,
your community and the planet. Invite others in your community to do the same.
This way of working brings people in your community together and this in itself
creates healing for all of life.
If you cannot
use a tree in nature to create a prayer tree you can buy a Christmas tree and
instead of placing ornaments on it invite your community to place ribbons,
letters, drawings, etc. that include prayers.
The time of
solstice is a powerful time for reflection. This is also a wonderful time to
remember what you are grateful for and bless others and all of life itself.
When we can
experience our gratefulness for life we transform our perspective about what is
happening in our own lives and on the planet. For when we feel grateful we can
experience the beauty instead of the pain. We want to acknowledge those who are
suffering and feel compassion. At the same time it is important to experience
the beauty and the gifts that life brings for us. This is an ancient teaching
that has been passed down through many cultures and many generations.
Let us
together hold a positive vision for the planet. Let us embrace ourselves, our
loved ones, and all of life with love.
Love heals!
Think about what you want to add to the
prayer tree. Do you want to find a ribbon and write Andy’s name on it and say a
prayer? And one for Cassidy & Althea. One for the pigs and the chickens who
gave their life for us to eat. One for Maine, so that the winter isn’t too long
or too cold and a lot of good snow. One for Marie and Sadie and their family
for hoping she gets better and the doctors take
good care of her. One for Mr. Trell, who we miss and hope is well. And
one for Jake who can’t be with us but we think of him often and love him. One
for Aunt Kim and Uncle Paul and the girls who live so far away but we love them
everyday and hope they are safe and well. One for Emma, who is so sad. And one
for Sophie’s body to stay strong and get well and recover from all her falls
fast and stronger. One for Lily who keep getting bigger and funnier and we love
her because she makes us laugh. And one for Mom and Dad, for another year
together.
Videos
Solstice Goals and
Dreams ritual—find a stick in the shape of a person, which represents
yourself, write your goals and dreams on
a slip of paper and wrap the man with it, then put it away until solstice next
year, when you will pull it out and review your goals and dreams for the year
2012.
*Open & read prayers for 2011 and reflect on your goals
and dreams.
Reflect on previous goals for 2011:
1.
I did land 2 more doubles and I placed in two
competitions.
2.
2. We did not have Thanksgiving ALL organic and
local
3.
I did not get to see the triplets more often
4.
We did not keep EVERYONE in the family healthy
and safe
5.
We did let people get hurt
6.
I did see my fist shooting star
7.
We did go to Disney
8.
We did ,make all our Christmas presents homemade
9.
I did make a lot of new friends
10.
I did stay homeschooled
11.
I did have lots of chicken
12.
I did get a new dresser
13.
I did not get to see A, B, and C more often
2012 Goals
1. Start working on my double axel
2. Go to Regionals
3. Place in at least one competition at Juvenile level
4. Pass my novice moves
5. Get into another MSMT production (probably not going to
happen though)
6. See Emma and Lauren a lot!
7. Have a great skating show
8. Not be so sad anymore
9. Pass 6th grade
10. Learn about the Civil War
11. Try a new food
12. Do another Grocery store scavenger hunt
Grocery Store
Scavenger Hunt—December 22, 2011
Green and looks like a brain
White and looks like a brain
Long and green stalk
White balls that make you cry
The good kind, not the ones you find in the woods and
shouldn’t eat!
These come in xmas colors and make food “hot”—I need one of
each color
An herb that reminds you of a clock
These are a root veg and are often brown and lumpy. I need
the sweet, orange kind
A bunch, a bunch, a bunch, I need a bunch of….
Yellow and green—these fruit make you pucker—I need 3 of
each
Green leaves that go with almost anything—breakfast in
omelets, lunch in salad, and dinner with any pasta or meat!
I need the muffins fit for Queen Elizabeth
You decorate this for Halloween and buy it in a can
We have 3 rooms that need this paper nearby
Yummy and yellow, this makes everything taste better!
Can get these from the farm but we need an extra 24
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