On a macro level, December has been a tough month. I don’t need to give any of it energy. These monthly blog posts are my offering of respite from the madness. I hope you find some here. On the micro level, our SF Bay Area weather has been unusual: cold, damp pea-soup fog inland, with warm sun in the city and on the coast. The winter rains are coming now. We can choose to see grey-weather days as gloomy, or as comforting. Wherever you are, I invite you to look for the beauty around you, and within as well. Even in the dark, soften your gaze and see if you can sense the luminosity of beauty. Lean in a little further, listen for beauty, and as John O’Donohue says, “touch the dream that dwells in the soul.” Spend a little time contemplating that vision, that listening, that dream or sensation of beauty… not as an escape, rather as a resting place from which you can reenergize and continue to show up for the world. 

December scenes from West Marin (Click on any image for gallery view)

Holiday LightScape at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens (Click on any image for gallery view)

A Wiccan Winter Solstice Blessing
May the longest night and the shortest day,
bring rest to your mind and soul, I pray.
May you find guidance and may you find peace,
as the cycle of light will slowly increase.
Embrace the magic that the darkness bears,
breath deep in the chill and shift in the air.
May you always be blessed with the light from within,
and may well-being be yours as the new cycle begins. 

2026 Retreats Dates (contact me for more information)
Sisters of Upasana – May 27 – 31  *Full
Coming Closer to the Divine Through the Elements – July 30 – Aug 2
TBD for Sonoma Ashram Sangha members – September 24 – 27

None of this post was written with AI, as you can probably tell by my over use of commas. My photography is also original. Thank you to everyone reading my musings. Feel free to send me comments and to share.  Also, if you, or anyone you know, are in need of a spiritual guide, end-of-life doula, wedding or memorial officiant please reach out.

May you find solace and beauty during these holidays.
Peace, love and blessings,
Rev. Lisa

Spiritual Guide. Wise Woman.
Contemplative Photographer. Mystic.
Beauty-as-Medicine™ workshop creator.

Spirit-Infused Healing Photography Books at Blurb
“Photography is my love language. Teaching people to see Beauty-as-Medicine™ is my Ministry.” Rev. Lisa