There is a resting phase, a static phase, a moment of stillness, between every in- and every out-breath. The year knows this as well, and presents us with a static phase from 25 Dec to 6 Jan. Before (and after) that, there is the expansion phase, the in-breath, from January to June. And from July to December, the year contracts and deflates, and breathes out. From Christmas onwards, around the 24th and 25th December, the world begins to rest and holds still, until until 6th January.
During this stillness, seemingly nothing happens. And yet, under the surface, these days of calm begin to weave the yet unborn blueprint, which will take form in the approaching year. If we peer beyond the surface, these days can serve us, by bringing us in conversation with ourselves, and showing us how we may want to live in the new year.
Many spiritual movements are talking about the “twelve holy nights” (which is the search query that will lead you to more information online). I (Jaap) have created this design, which, according to my experience, works well, and I call it the “twelve holy etmals”. Etmal is Dutch and means “24 hours from midday to the next”. I’ve chosen this name, because I’ve experienced that during the day, one thing or another happens as well.
Look, it’s not like you have to urgently and deeply study and work through these daily impulses. Rather, let the topics of the day sink in, and look at what naturally comes up as you spend your day. Ready yourself with a receptive mode of being: be open for what comes to you. When it comes, whatever it is, you can take note of it, mentally or physically.
If you want to, you can share this with friends, and be still together. Walk together in nature, cycle together and exchange your thoughts on the topics as they come up.
Let’s get ourselves ready for the fresh new year!
Where you feel wondersome innocence. The birth of a child. When we were yet without judgement, without fear, free from the desire to change anything. In this night, the childlike innocence can be reborn.
Can you remember what that was like?
The words belonging to the first holy night are inspiration and unity.