Introduction (00:06):
This is recording is an offering of Networks For Training & Development's online university.

Jennifer Williams (00:15):
Good evening, and welcome to the Networks Healing Circle monthly calls on Monday. I'll be leading this conversation, so sit back and enjoy your nice warm [inaudible 00:00:28] drinks and hopefully the warm weather, and we will reflect on this month. This month brings us the astronomical start of winter where da- where days will be the shortest in the Northern Hemisphere and longest in the Southern.

Jennifer Williams (00:49):
When I thought about hosting this month, I had some winter wonderings and, and thought about all that December brings us. I was brought to thinking about mythology and seasons and change, of Demeter and Persephone. You may recall the story of the daughter and, and mother duo from school, maybe even through recent Disney movies, and the story of how the solstice heralds the deepest and darkest of days, but also the beginning of the return of light and warmth. The story says that Persephone, the daughter of Demeter who was the goddess of grain and, and crops, picked a nar- narcissus flower, also known as the flower of death, and resulted in Hades, the god of the underworld, opening up the Earth and taking Persephone. When Demeter found out, she urged to have Persephone returned, but not before she could eat some Pomegranate seeds which would bind her with this world equal time.

Jennifer Williams (02:02):
So each year when Persephone would return to the Earth, her mother would start the blossoms and make that world that her daughter so enjoyed less stressed and with joy and light and growth. Yet each year when her daughter would be away, she would bring frost upon the Earth ending harvest and withering plants and flowers in her grief. This is a story of how the seasons became, according to Greek Mythology and several other mythologies. Yet Persephone returned to each year with enhanced wisdom that in the dark lies intersection and dreams teeming to bloom and blossom when they're brought into the light. It got me thinking about December and all of the celebrations and holidays.

Jennifer Williams (03:07):
Hanukkah, tonight is the last night of Hanukkah, the eight day Festival of Lights that commemorated the rededication of the temple. And this brings [inaudible 00:03:18] themes of freedom, liberation from oppression, miracles, and human action and courage. So while some recall the miraculous victory and triumphs over oppression, during this time is also a time of miracles when oil that was needed for the, the laborers and rededication of the temple was due to only last one night, but lasted eight, hence the eight day Festival of Lights. It's celebrated by lighting a Menorah, and tonight would be the last, spinning a dreidel, surrounded by friends and family, eating traditional foods, [inaudible 00:04:04], and exchanging of gifts that represent hope and renewal.

Jennifer Williams (04:10):
Some say that this is the season for Yule, which typically begins at the solstice and lasts until the New Year. And like some, you might know about the Yule log, making wreaths, gathering pine cones and lighting candles. In tradition, a tree would be brought in for 12 days of Christmas and decorated. Some would decorate a Yule tree indoors or outdoors. They would exchange sustainable nature-based gifts, give back to nature, scattering birdseed and feeds to feed and nourish nature, but also bring about a reaping of a new harvest. They would celebrate in candlelight and meditate on the quieter and colder, longer nights to reflect on what the new season and year will bring. It's a time for peace and calm.

Jennifer Williams (05:15):
On December 25th Christmas is celebrated. It's a sacred religious holiday and worldwide cultural phenomenon. It's a festival celebrating the birth Jesus, the Son of God, but also having ties to rebirth, the rebirth of the sun as days start becoming longer. Some celebrate Christmas on one day, the 25th. Some celebrate through to what is known as Little Christmas on January 6th, which would be baptism. This holiday is often celebrated with candlelit masses, singing of carols, celebrating and joining together with friends and family, decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and of course waiting for Santa Claus.

Jennifer Williams (06:10):
And Kwanzaa, celebrated on the 26th through to the New Year, a seven day festival in appreciation in African American history, heritage and culture. Celebrated with musical selections, drumming, feasts, libations, candle lighting, artistic performances, and discussing principles, principles of unity, self-determination, selective work and responsibility, cooperative economic purpose, creativity and faith, candles lit in correspondence with each of the seven principles, and a focus on crops, unity and community, and the abundance that they provide as the way to give thanks. Often times on January 1st, the last day, there are gift exchanged to promote success, growth, achievement, purpose and creativity for the New Year. So I join you having just ran through a rainstorm in Philadelphia, but comforting myself in coziness and all the Hygge traditions of wearing chunky sweaters, cuddling in blankets, burning candles and enjoying hot beverages. And, of course, nature whether she rains on you or has a nice warm sunny day.

Jennifer Williams (07:48):
So what do all of these holidays and what does this months have in common? When I looked at all of these events and how busy this month would be, what I really started focusing on is the common theme of togetherness: family, friends triumphing, the giving of time, presence, and physical presence; that these are times of internal connection to ourselves and familial connections, times of introspection and appreciation. And of all, a promise of a renewal. So I welcome you to take a few moments to focus on what comforts you are seeking this December, this busy month. What gifts are you giving of yourself? What gifts are you giving to yourself? What connections are you open for? What changes are you ready for? What triumphs are you currently fostering? What renewal are you hoping for? When I took a few moments to think of this, it helped me to put perspective on the year that we have had and experienced and survived, and the hope for what's to come.

Jennifer Williams (09:38):
Now that I thought of that, I've started to think back to Greek Mythology and into Yule and into Kwanzaa, and looking at planting the seeds and harvesting crop that will get us through. So I ask what seeds are you planting to fit your... those hopes for renewal? What deeds are you offering to fit your, a future of renewal? But most importantly, what do you need to plant the seeds and do the deeds that will bring about the future that you are desiring? I know many of you who join these monthly Networks calls. and I'm sure there are many that I don't know from all across the globe, but I wanted to focus on the commonalities, trends and themes, and the fact that the essential workers, the doers, and us do-gooders need to take this timeout only for 20 to 30 minutes the first Monday of the month to recharge, to fuel, to harness, to give back for ourselves that we can continue, give of ourselves not only to ourselves but to those in need, 'cause after all, that is the season of giving.

Jennifer Williams (11:34):
So while you're crossing your lists off and making sure that everyone has what they need, I urge you to make yourself a list of the things that you need, the things that you need of yourself, of your body, of your friends, and your family, and your support system, and find a way to plant the seed or do a deed that will bring you to where you need to be, whether that's an ask or an offer, a moment to yourself or a moment with others. Be sure that when you're giving so much of yourself that you fill your cup.

Jennifer Williams (12:37):
I want to thank you all for taking this timeout on what is a very busy month ahead, for joining me and allowing me to reflect and hopefully for this to resonate with some of you. Happy holidays, happy December, and sending warm winter wishes to all. We look forward in the New Year to you joining and continuing to join us the first Monday of every month with the Networks For Training, Healing Circles. Please check out the website, and often Facebook and Instagram for postings, and be sure to register with [inaudible 00:13:40] site, and join us and commit to take this time for yourself and for others. These calls have been a blessing for me this past few years and I look forward to all the ponderings and wonderings that we'll have for the calls to come. Thank you all. Take care and be well.

Ending (14:13):
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