it’s 12:58 pm on the winter solstice, and it’s 73° outside.

lately I have been wintering hardcore. I feel like a bear. yes, I am in sunny southern california, but it’s still the darkest time of the year regardless. and my body knows it. all I do (outside of the 24/7 childcare) is sleep, eat, and emerge from my cave only when necessary—mostly, when I’m summoned to talk about the stars. and honestly, it’s not a bad time.

I just got back from a new ritual I’m creating, which is a daily solar bath. it usually coincides with my first joint of the day, and I stand outside under the rays of late morning sunshine—just before noon—and let myself be seen and nourished by the sun for at least 10 minutes. I turn my face to the sun and spread my arms wide, like I’m asking for a hug, and then I turn my back to the sun and let it warm and comfort me like it’s giving the hug I requested.

I can do this partially because I am in sunny southern california, where there’s reliable sunlight most days, even near the winter solstice as we are now. the gift of this is not lost on me. that’s why I’m creating this ritual for myself: I don’t want to take the sun for granted. we have had a strained relationship in my life, the sun and I, mostly because I crumble in the heat and prefer chillier climates, but after living in the pacific northwest for 7-ish years, this winter is one where I am embracing the gift of the sun’s light. I remember the feeling, and so does my body, of going weeks without seeing the sun. every winter is difficult in Portland for this reason. so while I have not always gotten along with the sun, this winter I am letting it wash its light over me for at least 10 minutes a day, because it’s good for me, and it would be rude to the sun not to.

I hope you find ways to photosynthesize this solstice.