–Steve Mayer on Winter Solstice
I don’t know about you but for me the shorter daylight hours that come part and parcel with this time of year often leave me feeling a bit lethargic. Science has proven that less sunlight drives our bodies to shut down earlier, and as famed writer Clement Clarke Moore wrote so eloquently, settle in for a long winter’s nap.
Alas, as with most things, this odd phenomenon has a silver lining, serving a healthy purpose for re-energizing and renewal. For, just as nature requires a period of dormancy in order to preserve energy and insulate from the elements in preparation for a new life cycle, so it is with our bodies. In winter, we actually produce hormones that make us sleepy, giving us the time necessary to restore ourselves—body, mind and spirit. This period of stillness can provide us with varied opportunities for reflection, solitude, and for taking stock of our lives.
One of my favorite things about this time of year is the spectacular degree to which we are able to view the night sky as the stars shine silently from above. Observing the sky on a cold winter night invokes a sense of wonder, stirs the imagination, and sparks a connectedness to something greater than ourselves. In bearing witness to the infinite order of our vast universe, I find myself contemplating the ancient adventures of Orion as he soars across the night sky with his canine companions Canis Major and Canis Minor.
On Dec. 21, Robbinsville Schools celebrated the Winter Solstice. This astronomical phenomenon marks the shortest day and, conversely, the longest night of the year. Dr. Mayer was particularly fond of this annual event marking the turnaround to increased daylight and symbolizing hope for a brighter tomorrow.
What if we followed his lead and indulge our inclination to slow down the in winter? What if we opted to sleep more and demand a little less of ourselves? We urge you to give yourself and each member of your family permission to hibernate for at least one evening. We will ask students, families and staff to take time to slow down, unplug and spend time focused on the things that matter most.
Many will recall that Dr. Mayer believed deeply in living in accordance with his values. He often engaged administrators, staff and students in conversation around the question, “Who are we?” As we honored our friend by paying tribute to his favorite day of the year, we, too, engaged in meaningful discourse about who we are and what we believe as a school community.
On Dec. 21, during K-8 morning meeting time and 9-12 second block, teachers and students discussed and reflected upon the values of tolerance, kindness and respect. These community building activities are aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance. That night, no homework was assigned in order to allow families to eat together, engage in uninterrupted conversation, play a board game, take a walk and observe the night sky or listen to music.
This winter, remember that the sky’s the limit! Enjoy the show!
from the schools,
