Winter Solstice on Dartmoor
A day or two after the winter solstice last year, I was lucky enough to witness the beginnings of this extraordinary sunset above Shilstone Tor.
The photo is unedited. I sat a while and noticed that the stunning luminosity engendered a sense of deep gratitude and joy in me for the beauty of our natural world and my place within it.
The word ‘godhead’ came to mind. Not remembering its meaning, I researched the etymology at home that evening and discovered that it is likely a Middle English word referring to ‘deity', 'divine nature', the 'quality of being God'. It struck me that being in nature offers me easy access to the divine. And this set me thinking about spiritual connection, religion, and this special time of year.
I may no longer follow a recognisably religious path but have come to realise that a spiritual connection has developed by walking daily on our ancient, wild, and beautiful Dartmoor. After returning home from global city life and business, I now regularly experience a deep sense of reverence; the desire to honour and care for nature and wildlife; and have a greater openness and sympathy towards any belief or tradition that offers a route to love, compassion, peace, tolerance, and sense of community.
The major world religions have different rituals and traditions and yet common threads weave through each. One study demonstrated that when 'the semantics consistent in mythology and theology of words like love and God, they find the common theme is ‘union' - we want to be connected to something higher. That could be another person, could be God, could be a relationship with nature...The importance is to have as the central tenet of your being love, compassion, and tolerance’. And quantum physics has revealed the fundamental unity of life at the basis of diversity. This ‘unified field’ can be experienced, particularly if we transcend our intellectual minds. Meditative rituals such as sitting, walking, praying, singing/chanting, etc can help our busy minds to experience this fourth state of consciousness (the other three being waking, dreaming, and sleeping). As a benefit, stress can be reduced and we can feel greater happiness too!
At the core, we are all one and ideas of separation are illusory. We are interdependent and interrelated to each other, our earth and universes. And I have come to realise that I/we must more fully understand that every action has an impact outside of ourselves - positive or otherwise. Bringing this truth to the surface of my perception as often as I can means the potential for a more peaceful way of being and for our world. If not already, I wonder are there ways you might feel moved to bring more of this understanding into your life over the holiday season and beyond?
A wise teacher once said to me that our work outs should be equally focused in four areas - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Over the years, I have found this to be true. Huston Smith, a religious philosopher, said, 'It is possible to climb life’s mountain from any side, but when the top is reached the trails converge.’
If you still haven’t found the perfect gift for that special someone then you can purchase one of our online Gift Vouchers right up to the last minute. Our 2025 Spring Walks are also booking now and if you can’t wait to get out on the moor until then, why not consider Private Hire and experience the magic of Dartmoor in the winter.
Wishing you all a joyous season of rest, fun, peacefulness, and joy. Yuletide blessings, Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!