As the outside grows quieter and darkness settles on the Northern Hemisphere earlier each day, winter, and the approaching Winter Solstice offers a unique invitation for children to discover and tend their inner light.
This natural turning inward mirrors what many cultures have long understood – that darkness is not the absence of light – but rather a sacred space where inner illumination grows strongest. As an adult and guide within a child’s life, whether you identify as a teacher, parent, friend, or family member, you have a wonderful opportunity to help build emotionally aware, culturally sensitive individuals who recognize both their own light and the light in others.
The upcoming winter months need not be merely endured. Through mindful attention to inner light, this season becomes a resting place for growth, connection, and joy, even for our youngest learners.
For children of 3-6 years the changing season brings natural questions and observations. They notice the sun's earlier retreat, the shedding of the leaves, and the changing of the temperatures. Children often recognize these are the invitations for the arrival of winter. Children's wondering opens doorways for us as parents and teachers to help them understand and nurture their own internal light. In these precious early years, children are naturally attuned to the mystery and magic of light and shadow.
Our role is to create spaces that honor and protect this discovery of their inner light.
Creating Sacred Space in Winter's Rhythm
The quality of light in winter tells its own story. In our classrooms and homes, morning light rituals become anchors, helping children connect with both the later dawn and their inner radiance. A simple corner with soft cushions near a window can become a space of wonder, where children gather to witness the sun's slow morning awakening. These quiet moments of observation is the starting place for developing a deeper awareness, a practice that can continue throughout their lives.
To support the exploration between light and darkness, using shadows can be a great invitation since children are typically fascinated by shadows.
Another aspect of shadow exploration is is that there is not a focus on a misguided idea that darkness is bad. It is a natural part of life. Where there is light, there is also darkness. This understanding can help expand the child beyond “light is good and darkness is bad.”
When we create intentional spaces for shadow exploration, children discover the dancing interplay of light and darkness.
A child moving their hands through a beam of light learns more about the nature of both shadow and illumination than any lesson could teach. These discoveries become even more powerful when shared in the warm community of classmates or family.
I have many more thoughts and activities which we shall add in coming days as podcasts and short videos to our site "Holiday Wellness" please check back regularly at holiday.thence.us
Have your own thoughts and ideas you'd like to share? Get in touch! We'd love to hear from you.