Welcoming the light

The days are lengthening, yet I find this end of January stretch the harshest time of the year. I feel the damp cold in my bones and find myself saying, “I can’t wait for spring.”😱

Good news – it’s officially on its way!

If you’ve been following The Flourishing Woman for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of the traditional nature festivals. Imbolc, one of the eight key festivals, falls this coming week on 1st February. It celebrates the light returning.☀️

I’m reminded of this when I see the green shoots of snowdrops poking through in the garden.🌱😍

Glennie Kindred writes in her book, Letting In The Wild Edges,

“All around us are signs of the awakening Earth and the rising of the life force. Everything is moving from the inside to the outside, from being held and cocooned in the dark, to an awakening into the light. The ideas and longings we have been incubating during the winter months begin to rise in us, creating a bridge between our unconscious and what we consciously want to bring into life.”

A couple of simple ways to honour Imbolc for yourself this week,

1) If you haven’t done so, you could create a collage of your heartfelt desires. You can read about the simple process I use here.

2) Light a candle. As you do so, speak aloud what your intention. “This year I intend to…”

My wish for you this Imbolc? That it signals the gentle unfolding of your heart’s true desires.♥️

Let’s flourish together!

Arlene x