Page 18 - Winter 2011

Thoughts on Winter – Jane Keogh, BAHVS Junior Vice President
Suddenly there are no leaves left on the trees and the dogs need to be walked by 4pm in order to see where we are going. There can be no doubt for any of us that Autumn has crossed that invisible line into Winter, and for those of us further north, snow has already underlined the point.
Winter is a time for pause and going within. There is a stillness at this time of year that is as evident within ourselves (if we listen for it) as it is around us. This is not a time for rash energetic action; rather it is when we should be reflecting on past actions and considering where we go from here. Future plans will be all the more effective for careful thought now.
This year, the Solstice falls on December 22nd, the sun entering Capricorn at 06.29 to be precise. For those of us in the northern hemi- sphere this means our shortest day and longest night and although it will be many weeks before it is obvious, the days will lengthen from this day on.
By long tradition the Winter solstice has been a time to reflect on the activities and achievements of the last year and to consider the seeds of our future growth, gathering intent and making resolutions for the coming
not carry it into the coming year. This is a remarkably powerful process. The release of these emotions opens space for potential and hope. Then perhaps, towards the start of our new year, you can make a list of hopes and dreams for the coming months.
December is a bridge month, uniting the year that
is about to end with the year that is soon to be. By cre-
ating a clearing in our lives we honour the year that is passing and open to the potential of the coming year.
By the time you read this, Christmas and even New Year will be a memory and the shops will be urging us to buy our Easter eggs early. However, it is not too late to consider the letting go of negative patterns that hold us back and forming new hopes for the year ahead. On a per- sonal level this exercise is deeply powerful and energising, but might I suggest a wider application? It is not difficult to apply this approach to our homeopathic community. Reflection on the negativities of the past year
months. New Year resolutions are a continuation of this much older prac- tice. Use this Midwinter stillness to consider how you wish to live your life and support the Earth in the future. In this time of the rebirth of light there is the opportunity to break with old patterns. This requires courage and also honesty and forgiveness...and love.
A few years ago I was sent a simple exercise by a dear friend – a kind of emotional/spiritual cleaning out that reflects the energy of this time: Take a little time to write down all the left over thoughts, feelings, hurts and resentments from this past year that weigh you down, that no longer serve you. Write this list with love and respect for yourself, be gentle. Light a fire – a wood burning stove would be fine, or even a match and a Pyrex bowl, though I have to admit that the drama queen in me likes the bonfire method, and place the list into the flames. Watch all that negative energy go up in smoke! Release all the pain, regret and sadness so that you do
will no doubt provide a long list for each of us to release into the fire. However, it seems to me that the one hugely positive energy that we have to counter all the negativity past and to come is our supportive and loving homeopathic community.
That is our strength. Where several of us are gathered together that energy shines out. So perhaps I might take the liberty of suggesting a late New Year’s resolution? If each one of us resolves in this coming year to encourage just one colleague to join or re-join BAHVS then within a year we can double our membership. Then the light we hold will be stronger and those battling alone will be reminded of the unique support that we can provide for each other.
In the meantime I hope that your new year has begun with bright hopes and that we can all look forward to a magical 2012.
Dear BAHVS member
We just had to drop you a postcard to tell you about our exciting 2012 birthday seaside conference. The highlights are really exciting. We have:
• A seafront venue with state of the art conference facilities
To
BAHVS Members Just about everywhere England, UK & ROW
Please be sure to bring yourself, your family and good weather. See you soon! Tim, Barbara, Ed and Jane xxx
Ps book early too avoid disappointment!
• Modern rooms with sea views
• Friday night music on the beach
• Saturday night dinner at the magnificent
5* Grand Hotel
• Pre-dinner drinks on the lawn
• More exhibitors than ever PLUS!!!......
World renown speakers David Lilley,
Peter Gregory, Sue Armstrong,
Atjo Westerhuis, Mark Moodie,Trevor Gunn, Tom Farrington, Arlette Blanchy
BAHVS Animal Energy 2012 – 30th Birthday Conference, Eastbourne, Sussex
16