Be The Light
“One kind word can warm three winter months.” - Japanese Proverb
The 21st of this month marks the winter solstice, which brings us the shortest day and longest night of the year. The origin of the word solstice comes from the Latin, solstitium – sol, which means sun and stitium, meaning stoppage.
Solstice celebrations have been observed since ancient times, and there are many ways to celebrate the significance of winter solstice. Here are just a few:
Embrace the darkness. As the sun sets, turn off all electronics and lights. Consider using candles as a tranquil light source and reflect on the darkness. Use the dim lighting to help you turn inward and tune into your internal, quiet voice. Be grateful in your meditation as you focus on the gift of life. Enjoy this opportunity for quiet contemplation and perhaps set an intention for the coming year. Invite the impending light into your heart and vow to live joyfully and thankfully.
Light up the night. An ancient proverb advises, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Why not celebrate solstice by chasing away the darkness? Gather around a large outdoor bonfire (safely) and celebrate the return of light. You may wish to take this opportunity to write down anything you may want to let go of, tossing it into the fire. Releasing it into the past. Bask in the warm glow of the fire as you welcome the new beginning.
Be festive. Solstice doesn’t have to be a meditative, quiet and/or somber experience. It can be joyful and lighthearted, too! Build a cozy fire in the fireplace and gather friends and family for a festive evening of food, drink and fellowship. You may even encourage costumes, such as sunbeams and stars. Decorate your home with the seasonal gifts of nature such as fir branches, pine cones and holly.
However you choose to celebrate the solstice, take a moment to offer up gratitude for the gifts in your life. We here at Healer Within Foundation are so very grateful for the gifts each of you bring to the HWF community.
Be well and be the light,
Your friends at the Healer Within Foundation
5th Saturday Gathering: December 31st
Please join us Saturday, December 31st at Noon PT/3:00pm ET for this special LIVE gathering taking place at the Healer Within Foundation Facebook Page. Do be sure to "Like" and "Follow our Facebook Page to receive notifications of this - and other - HWF Facebook Live events!
In this free online event we will explore the natural cycles of the body and the important role sleep plays on our health. We will explore circadian rhythm patterns and the role natural light exposure and nature have on our overall health and longevity. This class incorporates evidence-based mindfulness and breathing practices including Vitality Enhancement Methods and Integral Qigong Practices designed to enhance our health and help us improve our sleep and circadian rhythms.
Prefer to access through Zoom? Add your name to our Cloud mailing list to receive Zoom information, handouts and links to replay videos for this and future 5th Saturday Gatherings! Sign up at: www.healerwithinfoundation.org/cloud
HWF Gatherings on the Cloud will be available to access on the HWF Facebook page via Facebook Live (or register to receive Zoom link) and last for approximately 60-90 minutes.
So, If you haven't already, please sign up now to RSVP for this special ongoing series of Zoom/Facebook Live meetings to make friends, get support, and stay in touch with others who lead practice and care about health and wellness!
Already registered? Great! Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on the cloud.
Save The Date Or Donate: Tiny Art-Big Hearts Auction
Our Tiny Art-Big Hearts Auction will be held online from February 1-5, 2023! You will not want to miss this opportunity to support HWF. The auction will feature an amazing array of unique artistic items and services. Learn how you can donate or how to bid and buy HERE. Thank you!
Ohio In-Person Training Opportunity
We are delighted to announce the first in-person Tai Chi Easy™ Practice Leader training of 2023! More information/registration link HERE.
Welcome New Practice Leaders!
Still Time To Give
Although we have had a busy year of positive growth and outreach, we continue to strive to meet fundraising goals in order to sustain our current programs. We're also working to develop new offerings and opportunities to assist others who wish to awaken their own healer within. Can we count on you to help as we continue living out our mission? Please consider making a donation today!
Thank you!
Qigong Of The Animals: January 7th
 Start your new year off with a roar, howl or hoot! Join instructor, Jill Robinson (pictured left), on January 7th beginning at 11am PT/2pm ET, to learn this popular practice inspired by our animal friends.
The Qigong of the Animals draws on qigong animal forms, combining these movements with breathing, posture awareness, and visualization to shift the nervous system from the fight, flight, or freeze response to the relaxation and rejuvenation response. The program draws on current research and writing in the fields of neuropsychology as well as somatic therapy.
This two-hour program guides attendees through practices which seek to improve tension, mobility, flexibility, agility, balance, and joyfulness.
Click HERE for more information or to register.
Bring Tai Chi Easy™ Training To You!
 With the world slowly reopening to in-person events, we are looking forward to the possibility of expanded LIVE Tai Chi Easy™ trainings in 2023. Did you know it is fairly simple to organize a Tai Chi Easy™ training event in your area? Anyone can organize a Tai Chi Easy™ event. Yes! YOU can - and HWF will be happy to help you make it happen!
 Be sure to inquire about our new, 8-hour program specifically designed for self-care practice, Tai Chi Easy™ for Vitality & Health. This simple format allows attendees to begin reaping the healing benefits of Tai Chi Easy™ after just a few hours of professional instruction!
If you would like to know more about organizing a Tai Chi Easy™ Training event, or have questions about the process, please contact Christie Ward for information.
ALL The Designs!
Did you know that ALL HWF apparel designs are available on demand? This means you can order any shirt...anytime! Several styles and colors available for each design.
Click HERE to see ALL the HWF designs available through Bonfire and order yours TODAY!
Thank you for your support! Be well!
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