by Connie Habash | Dec 8, 2020 | awakening, Consciousness, Light, Solitude, Solstice
2020 has been quite a year, undoubtedly. While it probably wasn’t your favorite year with fires, floods, financial stress, racial injustice, and COVID-19, it certainly won’t be easily forgotten. And well it shouldn’t; a year this challenging also holds tremendous power for our awakening. So as we enter the holiday season and year’s end, we can harness that spiritual power to find our inner light and personal transformation, especially on the winter solstice.
The Darkest Time of Year
You probably know that the solstice – winter for those of us in the northern hemisphere, and summer for the southern – is on December 21st. It’s the day that the sun – sol in latin – makes a stand (from the latin “sistere”). For the last six months, the days have become shorter where I live in North America, and the solstice is the pivotal point where the days begin to lengthen again.
Of course, we know this as the beginning of winter. It’s the darkest time of the year, but with the hope of rebirth from that point of the solstice, when the light begins to grow. I never tire of this metaphor, as it is worth returning to again and again, each year, in our spiral journey of spiritual awakening. It always gives us hope during the most difficult times.
This year, more than most, has been a very intense journey into the darkness. We’ve seen many of our fears manifest before us. How have we responded? It’s when we’re faced with difficulties that our inner strength is called forward.
Fear is the Onset of Power
I often say that “fear is the indication of the onset of power.” It means that when we’re scared, we have an opportunity to step into a larger aspect of ourselves. Not only for our courage, strength, determination, and trust to be exercised, but to find our Divine Self that is much larger than any thought, emotion, or circumstance in our lives. When we can tap into our Self with the capital S, we find our Oneness with the Divine, and no situation can determine how we feel – not even COVID-19 or being stuck sheltering in place.
Take some time to consider: what has been revealed to you in this time of darkness? What strength or power has it called forth in you, or wants you to step up to? It may be asking you to trust on a deeper level, to be willing to see past appearances, to put a stopper in the flow of worrisome thoughts, or to shift your attention to what you have rather than worrying about what is missing.
Solitude
As we are being asked to shelter in place, at least where I live, through the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to practice spiritual solitude. The end of autumn and beginning of winter is the ultimate inward time. While everything around us is resting and retreating in the natural world, so we are encouraged, too. This is an optimal time to increase meditation as well as journaling and inner reflection.
Most of all, as the winter solstice is the celebration of the return of the sun’s brilliance, we are being called more than ever to find our inner light. What does that really mean to you?
What is Light?
Light is, by definition, electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. In essence, that means energy. Light is an energy we can see, that also allows us to perceive a number of things in the manifest world, such as form and color. It also has the property of heat, which we can sense through touch and is an element that creates power and transformation.
So if we are turning our attention to Inner Light – our spiritual illumination – then we are seeking a Divine energy within us that illumines our consciousness. For me, the theme of Inner Light calls forth these insights:
Light gives us the ability to see, but that ability comes from within us, not from an outside source. As you look within at a greater spiritual Truth, what does the light reveal to you about this time in your life and our world?
Light grows from a point and expands outward. Let your meditations focus on seeing light within you. This could be a candle flame at your heart center, or the sacred core of light that is the axis of the body, known as the Sushumna, that runs from the crown of the head down to the base of the pelvis. When we’re connected to our inner light, we become a beacon for others to find theirs.
Fire is a manifestation of light. We strike a match to light a candle; we burn wood in the fireplace for heat and light. Fire is the power of transformation, and as we connect with the light within we also open to a transformation of body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Look within for your answers, inspiration, and support. Literally, the Earth is tilted away from the sun (in the Northern Hemisphere!) at this point on the calendar, so we are shifting our attention from outside of us to inside ourselves. The Inner Light means that you already have what you need within you. Of course, having our loved ones and friends around is essential, but the source of your well-being, happiness, and peace is already within you. Anything we depend upon outside of us is always temporary in nature; your Divine Self is infinite and eternal. Tap into that Light.
How Do You Tap Into the Inner Light?
OK, so we understand that this time of year is focused on finding the Light within us – but how exactly do does that happen? That’s a bit easier said than done. Here’s what is asked of you:
Open Your Heart
Soften the center of your chest. Release any constrictions there, or at least have that intent. Open-heartedness is receptivity. Be receptive to Spirit in your life.
Practice Faith and Trust
Put your confidence in something greater than you, even if you can’t name what that is. There is a Higher Power that created this Universe and brought you into the world. Trust that as you are ready, more of the insight and inspiration of the inner light will be revealed. Timing is in the hands of Spirit. Practice faith and trust, and allow the process to unfold.
Be Willing to Listen, Look, and Feel
The Inner Light can be revealed to you in a variety of ways. You may “see” it with your inner eyes. But it isn’t really a “thing” to be seen. It is a state of consciousness. You may feel it through your body or just an intuitive sense. You may hear words that guide you or sacred sounds. It may also come to you as a simple knowing or feeling of peace that you can’t explain. Be willing to listen, look, and feel; receive insights and new awareness through your inner and outer senses.
Quiet Your Mind
Thinking is not the Inner Light; it transcends your ordinary, every day thoughts. When you can cultivate a more quiet mind through meditation, chanting, or mindfulness, there’s space for the Inner Light to be perceived.
Look inside
No, I’m not talking about shining a flashlight down your throat. This is a journey of inner reflection that happens from your consciousness, not from your eyes. Paradoxically, it may show up as a mirror reflection in the outer world, through nature or a relationship. Allow whatever you encounter to spark an inner reflection and teach you about your inner Self.
Let Go
There may be thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, or perceptions that block you from perceiving that inner illumination. What can you let go of, so that you recognize and open to your expansive light within?
This season is colored by the events of 2020 and dealing with a global pandemic. Perhaps because of these circumstances, we have a greater opportunity to spend time in solitude and seek that inner light. Even though things seem dark, know that situations always change, but you have the one constant of the Divine Light within you. Light a candle or greet the sunrise. Find ways to remember this great spiritual truth. Let this memorable solstice be a time that you dedicate to awakening and allow your Inner Light to grow and glow.
Share your story of solstice solitude, empowerment, or finding your Inner Light in the comments!
by Connie Habash | Dec 16, 2019 | awakening, Consciousness, Darkness, Enlightenment, Light, Seasons, Solstice
The winter solstice is near – a time when the sun is “reborn”, so to speak. We reach the shortest day of the year, and from that point on, the daylight lengthens and intensifies. This is the season of the rebirth of the Divine Light.
It’s no coincidence that the birth of the “Son of God”, in Christian tradition, is proximal with this “rebirth of the sun”. Historical evidence is unclear about the time of year that Jesus was born. Around 3 BCE, the church aligned the celebration to the European pagan tradition of Yule at the winter solstice, and began to associate the Nativity with December 25th. The jury is still out on exactly when Jesus was born; but it’s clear that the return of the Divine Light, however you want to view it, has been honored at this time of year for millennia.
The Jewish tradition also honors this spiritual illumination through Hanukkah, but recognition of this Divine Light was not limited to the western world. Turning towards the East, the Hindu tradition also honors the sun. There are some festivals that recognize the importance of the winter solstice, such as Pongal in the South of India. But more commonly, there is a daily ritual of respect towards the sun: Surya Namaskara.
Most of us who practice yoga are intimately familiar with Surya Namaskara, or Salutation to the Sun. Although the exact sequence and style of the poses varies slightly from tradition to tradition, it’s a recognizable series of postures that connect one to the other and is practiced with the rising sun.
Many don’t know that along with those poses are traditional mantras, or chants, that carry symbolism of the spiritual qualities of our home star. The winter solstice is a powerful and moving time of year to work with these mantras and reflect on that Divine Light that the sun so potently represents.
The meaning of these mantras reflect to us the qualities of this Divine Light, which is our Essence or True Nature within. As we approach the winter solstice (also know as Yule) on December 22nd, it’s worth meditating on this light of our Spirit and what it represents. Here are some reflections on these qualities of our Divine Light, inspired from the 12 mantras to the sun.
The Source of All
The Divine Light is within everything, including you and me. It is the Infinite Source of Life. Like the life-giving sun, it blesses us with birth into this lifetime and sustaining us through our journey. The Sun, as symbolic of that Light, is said to be a friend to all, giving every being warmth, life, light, and energy.
Shining
The Divine Light shines. It’s natural radiance is seen with our inner eye. Just as our sun beams in all directions, without judgment or discrimination, so does that inner effulgence. As we align ourselves with our Divine inner light and allow it to flow through and as us, it, too, shines everywhere as love, kindness, and peace. The more we open to receive and embody this Divine Light within us, the more we can touch others’ lives in a positive way by allowing the light to shine.
The Supreme Consciousness
Our True Nature, represented by this Divine Light, is Consciousness itself. Consciousness is oneness, infinite and everywhere present. It is our awareness of everything, most of all the Reality beyond what we experience in form. This Consciousness motivates us to expand beyond our limited perceptions and understand the nature of ultimate Reality.
Remover of Darkness
Light repels darkness. And so the Divine Light reveals the truth and dispels illusion, just as we are able to see what is in a dark room by igniting a candle. The Sanskrit word guru, referring to the spiritual teacher, embodies this quality, meaning “remover of darkness/ignorance.” For all of us, we have this inner guru in the form of the Divine Light.
Understanding of Time
The symbol of the Divine Light, the sun, is the source of our experience of time. We measure time the sunrise and sunset; we measure the seasons from the shift of the sun’s angle due to the tilt of our planet’s axis. This outer light creates the experience of time, while our Inner Light reveals timelessness.
Giver of Strength and Nourishment
As physical beings, we receive our strength and nourishment from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Yet all of these, in some way, are related to the gifts of the sun. Plants (and animals, since they eat plants or other animals that do) are dependent on the energy from the sun via photosynthesis. All matter on this planet, including water and air, come from the same matter that composes the stars.
Our Essence, however, derives its strength and nourishment from that inner Divine Light. The more we connect with it through meditation, opening our hearts, and deep contemplation, the stronger in spirit we become.
The Principle of Creation
We have heard of the “big bang” theory, but what exactly is it pointing to? The ancient Hindus saw our creation as emanating from one creative principle, symbolized by a golden egg. Out of this, all in existence was created.
Our Divine Light within is this one creative Consciousness. We, as beings, are both created by that consciousness and manifest with that creative principle the more we awaken.
The Rays of Discernment
Through connection with our Divine Light within, we are given the ability to distinguish between what is Real and what is Unreal. The rays of light (whether from the sun or a lamp) can be directed by our attention to reveal the true nature of things. We begin to understand what matters and what isn’t really important through this power of discernment.
These rays remind us of who we truly are and reveal the false beliefs we have about ourselves. It is also said that these rays of light, whether from the sun or our Inner Light, are the destroyers of disease. Our greatest spiritual dis-ease is ignorance of our Divine nature, and these inner beams of Light dispel that.
Divine Children
That Divine Light is our Sacred Mother/Father. As it is said, each of us is a spark of the flame of God. Said another way, we are facets of the sacred jewel of Consciousness; one with that Source, yet each of us reflecting something unique as the facets reflect light from different directions. We are the Divine Children of the Divine Source.
Stimulating Power
The Divine Light embodies the power to stimulate, motivate, and inspire us. We are both spurred into action as well as aroused from sleep from the light of the sun. That Inner Light, however, moves us in deeper ways; it impells us on the path of spiritual growth, as well as bringing the light to others.
Our Vital and Sacred Energy
We all know that the sun is the source of our energy on the planet. Without it, our world would become frozen and barren. It gives us physical energy, but represents our vital energy as well.
We are all energetic beings, composed of atoms that are no more than fluctuations of energy and information. This energy we are made of extends beyond our physical body into what is known as the aura, or energetic field around us. All that exists in the universe vibrates with this energy. It is the Divine Light, manifest through the physical realm.
The Path to Enlightenment
I see enlightenment as a continuous journey of ever-expanding awareness and potentiality. We have infinite capacity to awaken to greater and greater consciousness, although some traditions believe there is an endpoint of “liberation.” Perhaps there is. But I perceive life as a path of unfolding joy and aliveness. The Divine Light is both the path itself and that which shines on it so that we can see our way forward. It is inspiring us to become ever greater expressions of spiritual Truth.
Time for Deep Reflection
Those are the qualities of the Divine Light. And now, through the solstice and into the winter season of quiet stillness, it is time to reflect on that Light within you. If you’ve dropped your meditation practice – or have long wished to start one – now is the time. Even if just for a couple minutes a day, sit, feel, and open to the revelations of your inner Light. You are like the lotus flower. As it rises from the mud of darkness and breaks through the surface of the pond of illusion, the Divine Light of the sun will open your petals to realization of your True Self.
For further reading: Surya Namaskara, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
by Connie Habash | Dec 21, 2017 | Divine, Light, Seasons, Solstice, Uncategorized
Today is the winter solstice – and I did a guest podcast on David Clarke’s Different Strokes for Different Folks radio show. Learn several ways to “find your light within in the dark times”… no matter what time of year it is.
May you have a Blessed Solstice… light some candles, and let them remind you of your Divine Light within.
by Connie Habash | Dec 5, 2017 | 8 Limbs, Concentration, Gazing, Meditation, Practice, Solstice
As the days grow colder and shorter – and the holiday season approaches – I am always drawn to candles. Candlelight is soothing, warming, and inspiring. My daughter and I love to light them all around the house and especially at the dinner table. We also relish time to create home-made, rolled beeswax candles.
Lighting candles is also a wonderful way to celebrate the first day of winter – the Solstice. As the hours of sunlight begin to increase from this point forward until summertime, igniting a candle (or several) honors and symbolizes this growing solar light, as well as our Divine Light within.
The ancient yogis knew the power of candlelight, and incorporated it into a practice called Trataka. Trataka is Sanskrit for the fixing of the eyes on one object. It is a form of dharana, or concentration, and also considered a practice of purification. You can practice Trataka on any object, but a candle flame is preferred, not only for its symbolism and beauty, but because it leaves a clear after-image on the retina.
This after-image is very helpful, because Trataka is performed first with eyes open, then with eyes closed. Trataka trains us to focus our attention on the object, and then maintain that image when we close our eyes. With a candle, because of the bright light from the flame, a clear and longer-lasting after-image results, making it easier to build concentration.
Actually, Trataka cultivates at least 3 of the 8 “limbs” of classical yoga practice: pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) through cutting out all distractions other than the object of focus; dharana (concentration) through the intense focus on that particular point; and dhyana (meditation) through the stilling of thought. As the practice is perfected, one becomes absorbed into the experience of the candle flame itself and deeper states of meditation are possible.
Of course, you can enjoy and experience the benefits of Trataka without being a yogi. Meditation on a candle calms the mind, uplifts the spirit, and creates a sacred atmosphere. I always have at least one candle on my altar for this purpose, and you can create a very simple sacred space just with one candle.
There are reputed physical benefits to Trataka as well. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the most regarded texts of practice and philosophy, states that Trataka “eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue and sloth, and closes the doorway to creating these problems.” I myself have experienced vision improvement at times by practicing this. And if that weren’t enough, it supposedly increases your psychic powers by developing your third eye (looking forward to those results!).
Want to give it a try? Here’s how:
- Place a candle on a stable surface in front of you, at eye’s height (you can stack up books to get it to where you don’t have to tilt your head down to look at it). It should ideally be around arm’s distance away. Let the rest of the area be as clear of objects as possible, to reduce distraction.
- Light the candle. Allow your eyelids to be half-closed, and rest your gaze near the base of the flame, at the top of the wick itself.
- Try not to blink. The eyes will begin to fill with tears. It may take several tries to be able to sustain this through the tearing of the eyes. If you have to, go ahead and blink, but try to minimize this.
- Continue to gaze for about 3-5 minutes. Then, close your eyes and focus on the image of the flame internally. Attempt to sustain a visualization of the candle flame for several minutes, preferably at the third eye – the spot between and just above the eyebrows, at the center of the forehead.
- If you find it difficult, don’t worry. In the beginning, it’s hard to sustain the gaze and even harder for some to maintain the image in the mind’s eye. With practice, you’ll pick it up over time. Be gentle with yourself; don’t focus too hard, and let go of your expectations, so you can enjoy whatever your experience is.
Most of all, appreciate the beauty of the light that the candle emits. Let it remind you of the sacredness of this first night of winter, and the light of your own soul.
Copyright © 2017 by Rev. Connie L. Habash
by Connie Habash | Dec 6, 2016 | Attention, Awareness, Challenges, Darkness, Divine, Inspiration, Light, Possibilities, Solstice
The cycle of the seasons here in the northern hemisphere is winding down to the longest night of the year – the winter Solstice. We enter the time of increased darkness and decreased temperatures. Yet, it is in the dark that the light shines most brightly; a candle during the daytime is hardly noticeable, but at night it is a beacon of light.
There are times when our lives seem overcome with more darkness than light. Yet these times can be powerful and transformative. Often, the darker moments are the ones that call forth our greatest gifts and the most inspiration and support from the Divine.
Celebration of Light
December is a month full of stories and traditions that reveal that sacred Light. Hanukkah is a celebration of the light of a temple oil lamp lasting far beyond what was deemed possible. The birth of Jesus is celebrated on Christmas, when a brilliant star shone in the heavens above the manger where he lay, guiding three wise men to honor him. And the winter solstice, though it marks the longest night of the year, represents the rebirth of the sun and initiates its growing light, leading up to summer.
It is a time of great celebration, but not all of us may feel like celebrating. You may feel some darkness lingering around you, either in the greater collective world or in your personal life. However, take heart; for these sacred traditions remind us that, if we hold to the Divine light within, we will be sustained and lead out of the darkness.
Attending to the Light
The key to this is, naturally, to attend to that light. I remember going on a Vision Quest in the summer of 1989 and learning the lesson of staying focused on the light – the fire, to be specific.
I had traveled out into the high desert of the Inyo Mountains with a group of about 20 people, all intent on a 3 night, solo vision quest. We spent the first three days in preparation, and then each went out on our own. For those three days of solo time, we fasted, contemplated, and prayed.
On the last of the 3 nights out, the task was to stay up the entire night in vigil, tending a fire and crying for a vision. The fire taught me many things, and one of them was to stay focused on it. In the pitch-dark of the desert, it’s hard to see anything beyond a few feet around the fire’s perimeter. It’s very quiet and still, yet occasionally there are soft noises, near or far. Without being able to use my sense of sight to see beyond the fire’s light-circle, it was easy to stare out into the darkness and let my imagination loose. I could believe that I saw many things dancing outside of my stone circle – many of my fears.
But the task required both an awareness of anything I sensed outside the circle, yet a primary focus on the light – tending the fire. It truly took most of my energy and attention to keep the fire going the entire night. The maintenance of the fire wasn’t just a task assigned – it was essential to keeping me warm. It also provided comfort and inspiration.
Light in the Midst of the Unknown
Our inner light – which is our Spiritual Self and connection to the Divine – is like that fire. It requires tending – attention and energy. And for it to continue to steadily burn, we cannot allow ourselves to be distracted by what might be hiding in the shadows around us, in that darkness of the unknown.
There’s a lot of unknown right now, and a lot of strange noises snapping and crackling in the media, in conversations at work or on the street, in the papers or on Facebook. If we allow our energy and attention to be sucked into the fear and imagination of what might happen, in that darkness of the unknown, we can lose sight of the inner Light and the fire is at risk of going out.
Your Attention Can Determine Your Destiny
Recently, I watched the 30th anniversary service of Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, live-streamed on my computer. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith (who is a great inspiration to me) said something that really stuck with me. He reminded us to be “aware of situations, but you don’t allow them to determine your destiny.” This is like being aware of sounds that may arise around the campfire, but to remain clear about what really needs your greatest attention – your inner Light, the connection to the Divine.
Our experiences in life are affected by our thoughts and where we put our attention. Yes, we need to attend to problems we are faced with. But if we dwell on them, obsess over them, worry about them, and spend all our energy and attention on the problems, then we’ll likely experience more of the problems. However, if we turn inward to the connection with something Greater and allow That to bring the light of new ideas, possibilities, and empowerment, then we shift to solutions and creating something positive out of the situation. That brings light to darkness.
Especially When It Is Dark
This inner connection is what sustains and guides us through tough times and also fills us with inspiration and joy in the good times. When we focus our attention on That, it shows us what is possible. The light of a candle can fill a whole room, even when it’s dark – especially when it is dark.
So, light some candles. Tend a fire. Find your inner connection to Spirit, even if it is just a spark. Watch a sunrise, the moonrise, or bright stars on a cold winter’s night. There is light out there, and right inside your heart. Trust in it and put your attention on it; allow it to lead you to brighter days ahead. Your true nature is that Beacon of Light.
Copyright © 2016 by Rev. Connie L. Habash
2020 has been quite a year, undoubtedly. While it probably wasn’t your favorite year with fires, floods, financial stress, racial injustice, and COVID-19, it certainly won’t be easily forgotten. And well it shouldn’t; a year this challenging also holds tremendous power for our awakening. So as we enter the holiday season and year’s end, we can harness that spiritual power to find our inner light and personal transformation, especially on the winter solstice.
The winter solstice is near – a time when the sun is “reborn”, so to speak. We reach the shortest day of the year, and from that point on, the daylight lengthens and intensifies. This is the season of the rebirth of the Divine Light.
Today is the winter solstice – and I did a guest podcast on 
As the days grow colder and shorter – and the holiday season approaches – I am always drawn to candles. Candlelight is soothing, warming, and inspiring. My daughter and I love to light them all around the house and especially at the dinner table. We also relish time to create home-made, rolled beeswax candles.
The cycle of the seasons here in the northern hemisphere is winding down to the longest night of the year – the winter Solstice. We enter the time of increased darkness and decreased temperatures. Yet, it is in the dark that the light shines most brightly; a candle during the daytime is hardly noticeable, but at night it is a beacon of light.
