Bane of Your Resistance

Throughout December, I’ll suggest tips for creativity-enhancing or just plain fun gifts for writers in a series of blog and Facebook posts. (Be sure you’re subscribed to both.)

Please Share any posts that strike your fancy with your family and friends.

Writer Gift Tip #1: Lights, Hope, Action!

In the northern hemisphere, December is the darkest time of the year as the days get shorter and colder. So it’s not surprising that for so many centuries and in so many traditions, this is a time to celebrate light and hope.

Chanukah celebrates the miraculous lights that lasted far longer than reason can explain.

Christmas celebrates the Star of Bethlehem and the Light of the World.

Most cultures in the northern hemisphere mark the winter solstice with prayers for the return of the sun and hope for the return of the light: Juul in the Norse or Yule throughout the rest of northern Europe, Alban Arthan in the Wiccan tradition, Saturnalia in pre-Christian Rome, the Flying Pole Dance of the Mayans, among others.

When we string twinkly lights outside and inside our homes, we intentionally or instinctively honor that hope.

This year, give yourself the simple gift of light. Add holiday lights to your writing space. Or light candles. Change the lighting – the difference will remind you to honor the traditions of your ancestors. The novelty will also stimulate your brain and increase creativity.

Every day, when you turn on the lights or light the candles, state your intention for your writing and ask for help in fulfilling that intention. And remember that even though we’re entering the darkest time of the year, the light will return.