In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. The opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere…it is the longest day. Both are powerful threshold moments to honor. In keeping with the theme of reinvention and lighting yourself up from within, here are some of my favorite rituals to do during this time of year: Use the solstice as an opportunity to unplug from all devices and give yourself some alone time. Spend time journaling on anything that comes to you. Holding on to the old patterns that sabotage your success makes no sense. Playing it small has no place in this new season. Everyone’s light counts. In the days ahead, take the time to physically clear out the old (i.e., declutter your home and clean up your electronics) and release the energy that doesn’t serve you, too. Write down everything that you have created or taken on that does not support you. Safely burn the paper in a fireproof bowl or fireplace. When the ashes are cool, give them to the earth. Then, go outside and watch the setting sun on the shortest day of the year. Blow bubbles or ring the bell to share your hopes and dreams with the Universe. Start by sending affirming, loving messages to friends. Say “I’m there for you,” “You are awesome,” “I appreciate our friendship,” etc. This simple act can turn a bad day into something sweet. Feel free to offer sincere compliments to anyone else in your life today too. Tell the barista you appreciate his friendly attitude, compliment your co-worker on a project, smile at a neighbor, or post a message on social media that is positive and inspiring. Barbara taps into her extraordinary journey as a global ritual expert, fashion executive, TV producer, corporate leadership trainer and coach to inspire, connect with and empower clients in these rapidly changing and challenging times. She is passionate about sharing the wisdom she amassed from decades of global studies with gurus, spiritual masters and her own dedicated practices. Blending ancient spiritual rituals with emotional intelligence and strategic communication skills, Barbara guides and motivates her clients to achieve expanded levels of success and create meaningful vision for their lives. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both art history and psychology from NYU and today lives in the Greater New York City area.
