Personal Growth Planet Blog

We’ll reach the darkest day of the year on December 22nd. The winter solstice is a turning point in the year. For those of us who live in the northern hemisphere, we experience the fewest number of hours of direct sunlight on this day, but the shift toward more light begins.

Pagans celebrate the winter solstice, called Yule, as the return of the Sun. The shift from dark to light, and all that means both symbolically and literally, is what both ancient and present day pagans celebrate.

Tis the season. Lots and lots of folks are crowding shopping malls, surfing the net and busily crafting the perfect gifts for loved ones.

There’s so much that’s wonderful about giving.

The thoughtful and creative gift that you make or buy can be one way to show others how important they are to you. The money, food, coats and gloves that you give to non-profit organizations go a long way to help those whose very survival might depend on the generosity of strangers.

Without a doubt, giving is beautiful and spreads joy and benevolence.

The look of determination and focus. The sheer will to get something done…even if it’s something that’s a huge challenge or seemingly impossible.

That is being in “The Zone.”

If you look at the face of a basketball player about to shoot a free throw, you’ll see it.

If you watch a preschooler crossing shoelaces while learning to tie a bow, you’ll see it.

If you get up close to a performer on stage who is singing, dancing, playing a guitar or another instrument, you’ll see it.

You’ll see that person (or those people) in the zone.