From the Center of the Labyrinth

From the Center of the Labyrinth – Winter Solstice – A Return of the Light?

CHRISTINE NICHOLS GAUTREAUX·SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019·READING TIME: 2 MINUTES – Originally published 12/21/19 on FB Notes

45 degrees and raining in Duluth, Ga. this morning at Sunrise.

After the year’s longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, I greeted the day by walking through a wet, leaf-covered Labyrinth to the center.

I didn’t hang out long as it was raining, chilly and a little uncomfortable, kinda like 2019.

As I reflect on this year it has been a doozy for my crew – what about yours?

There are definite blessings, some so amazing I’m still in awe, including friends I’ve connected with, speaking at the UN in March, and our niblings being born.

The “darkest night” was a little more challenging with an accumulated family total of 4 major surgeries, a hospitalization, a new roof, all the current craziness in our country, and other adulting things that stretched us and blessed us at the same time.

I realized throughout this year I’m not really good at asking for help.

Often a curse of the caregivers since we are the ones used to helping and often feel more comfortable being leaned on than leaning in.

I was reading a post by another caregiver this morning about baby steps to self-care and I responded to her and myself with “Yes! Baby Steps for the win!” So this morning I went outside to my labyrinth for the first time since my surgery two weeks ago and took a straight path to the center to greet the day.

I stood in the gray drizzle and sang my morning prayers wrapping the world and our children around with infinite love and wisdom.

The light is returning.

It may not be bursting forth like some of the glorious sunrises I have been blessed to witness but it is there.

I find it in the hugs from my family and friends.

Yesterday, I found it at Spirit Play, in community, where we played with leaning in and stillness. This morning I found it in nature as I paused under two old Magnolia trees and gave thanks for their beautiful shelter from the rain and I noticed a heart shape in one of the leaves. In the midst (or should I say mist just for fun) of the rainy weather, the sun is rising whether we see it or not and I am grateful.

Wishing you all peace, joy, love, good health, laughter, and light this holiday season and if you are walking through the dark night still know that I am wrapping you around with infinite love and healing prayers.

Christine

About the Author: Christine Gautreaux, MSW

Christine Gautreaux, MSW is dedicated to the pursuit of play, joy, art & social justice. Christine’s superpowers include connecting people, helping folks manifest their dreams, standing up against injustice and using art to make a difference in the world. She currently uses Interplay to address issues of oppression with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, homelessness, women refugees, racial justice and women who are incarcerated. Christine believes in the power of body wisdom and somatic play to help heal trauma. She also works with professional caregivers, activists and artists to maintain balance and self-care during these intense times we find ourselves living. Christine Gautreaux holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work. Christine is a professional speaker, coach & author and entrepreneur and the owner of Wisdom on Wings Coaching. Christine is the co-author of Stillpoint: A Caregivers Playbook to find ease and to take a deep breath and reclaim joy. www.christinegautreaux