Waterspirit, a local nonprofit center for ecology and spirituality, celebrated the Winter Solstice on December 21 with a public ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson. The gathering encouraged participants to reflect on the deeper meaning of the winter season and the winter solstice. After calling to mind their own habits for preparing for winter, participants were prompted to consider their energy consumption through the colder and darker season.
After contemplation, poetry set the tone for an inspiring and moving event. Special guest musician, Mary Price, sang a few songs to uplift the spirit. Ms. Price also led a drumming circle as she guided the guests through a meditation of a heartbeat. Everyone lit candles and remembered those who are far away, or no longer with us. The celebration concluded with guests reflecting on accomplishments of the past year and writing down the things to be left behind. As the guests were leaving the building, they burned their troubles away and bid each other farewell until the spring equinox.
Since 1998, Waterspirit has hosted seasonal celebrations on the solstices and equinoxes.
These spiritually inclusive events welcome all participants to connect with the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life on earth. “Intentionally connecting with the cycles of nature is an eco-spiritual practice that helps us regulate our inner lives and strengthen our connection with Earth,” says Blair Nelsen, Waterspirit’s Executive Director. Hundreds of people have attended these celebrations over the past 25 years.
Waterspirit offers a full slate of eco-spiritual, educational, and action-oriented programs.
Upcoming events are listed on their website.
Waterspirit is a nonprofit center for spirituality and ecology sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, headquartered in Rumson, NJ. More information is available at: https://www.waterspirit.org/.
Cover photo: Director Blair Nelsen welcomes guests to Waterspirits Winter Solstice Celebration