Today is December 21, the shortest day of the year. This day is known as the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its lowest point, and the night is the longest. From now on, the days will grow longer, a sign of the returning light and a symbolic moment that invites reflection, hope, and renewal!
As a Jungian coach, I have a deep love for symbols. This time of year feels like an opportunity to turn inward and create fertile ground for the spring. For me, this means stopping the rush, being more present in the moment, and truly asking myself: what am I actually doing? And does it align with my goals, dreams, and feelings?
Turning Inward
I find myself looking forward to turning inward and seeking more silence. Although I often enjoy being alone, that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve turned inward or sought silence. Strangely enough, I think this phase will also make me more open to reaching outward, even though the intention is to turn inward.
Winter Solstice Rituals
This afternoon, I’ll celebrate the winter solstice with three dear friends. Together, we will make candles and light them to literally and symbolically welcome the light. Last night, I thoroughly cleaned my house, another ritual of letting go and cleansing that aligns with the winter solstice. Today, I feel refreshed and ready for a new phase!
A Beautiful Dream
Last night, I had a beautiful dream that perfectly reflects this period of introspection, reflection, and creation for me. In the dream, I was heavily pregnant and visiting my best friend Lynsey. My car was parked in the center of Rotterdam, but I had forgotten to activate my parking app. I was deeply worried about getting a ticket and high parking fees, but Lynsey reassured me with a simple solution: the rules for visitor parking had changed, allowing her to register my car in the center.
This dream, rich with symbolism, felt like a gift from the universe. It was as if it said: we’ve got your back!
Pregnancy
For me, pregnancy symbolizes creation and a new phase. Being heavily pregnant and on the verge of giving birth felt like confirmation that I’m ready to create something new. How wonderful that this dream came to me precisely during the winter solstice!
Lynsey
Lynsey plays a significant role in this dream because she represents trust and support for me, as we’ve been friends for over 15 years. As I write this, I realize these themes—trust and support—are beautiful to work with during this reflective period.
The Center
My car was parked in the center, which could symbolize my core—my goals and dreams. At the start of the dream, this center felt distant and unreachable, but thanks to Lynsey’s help, it suddenly felt much closer. This might be a message from my unconscious that I’m closer to achieving my goals than I think and that my fears often amplify obstacles unnecessarily.
Speaking to the Fine
Another strong element in the dream was my fear of receiving a fine. Initially, I couldn’t identify its symbolism and decided to return to the dream, just as I do with my clients during dreamwork. As I described in my previous blog, it can sometimes be challenging to have an imaginary conversation with a person, object, or feeling if you’re not used to it. But through practice, insights from the unconscious can flow more easily into consciousness.
I saw myself standing in Rotterdam, outside by the parking spaces, but my car was missing. I felt the emptiness and intangibility of its absence. I connected with my fear and decided to have a conversation with the fine. To my surprise, all it took was one sentence. I said, “Hi, fine.” The fine replied, “Why are you so worried? I’m just small.”
That insight changed everything. I saw how insignificant the fine actually was, and my fear dissolved. During the dreamwork and visualization, I could truly enjoy my pregnancy and friendship.
This conversation taught me once again that I sometimes make things bigger than they are, which unnecessarily holds me back. I find it remarkable that I received this message twice while working with my dream. It feels like a message from my unconscious, showing me how crucial this insight is for my growth right now. It’s something I’ll continue to explore during the upcoming winter season.
Intentions for the Winter
Until the spring equinox on March 21, I’ve set three intentions for myself: writing every morning, meditating for at least five minutes a day, and stopping my habit of watching series. This gives me space to embrace discomfort and genuinely turn inward. I’m incredibly curious to see what emerges during this time of reflection and creation. I look forward to seeing what the next three months will bring, and I feel hopeful and optimistic.
Synchronicity: A Jungian Principle
This dream feels like a wonderful example of synchronicity: the coming together of two seemingly unrelated events with deep personal meaning. This principle, central to Jungian work, shows how our unconscious sometimes processes things and makes connections not immediately visible to our conscious mind.
For me, this dream had perfect timing: it delivered the message I needed to hear at exactly the right moment. It inspires me to give more attention to my inner world in the coming months and to focus on creation, which will serve as fertile ground for the spring.
Your Own Journey of Reflection
Would you like to turn inward this winter and work on your deepest desires? As a Jungian coach, I’d love to help you with dreamwork and introspective practices. Together, we’ll discover what your next phase will bring. Reach out, and let’s begin your inner journey!