Solstice Joy

Summary

The author expresses joy for the Winter Solstice, marking the start of longer days, while feeling the opposite on the Summer Solstice, and reflects on personal experiences and the broader significance of these celestial events.

Abstract

The article titled "Solstice Joy" conveys the author's enthusiasm for the Winter Solstice, appreciating the increase in daylight hours that follows. Despite the cold and darkness, the solstice brings a sense of hope and happiness. This contrasts with the author's feelings on the Summer Solstice, where the knowledge of diminishing daylight brings a sense of dread. The author ponders whether these feelings are a personal quirk, a shared human experience, or perhaps an unconscious connection to the Earth's rhythm. The piece also shares the personal joy of observing the sunrise from a new apartment around the time of the Winter Solstice, highlighting the beauty of this natural phenomenon even amidst harsh winter conditions. The author extends well-wishes to all "Earthlings" and muses on the universal experience of the solstices.

Opinions

The author has a strong emotional response to the changing lengths of daylight, particularly at the solstices.
The Winter Solstice is a source of inspiration and happiness, symbolizing renewal and growth.
The Summer Solstice, while offering the most sunlight, ironically brings a sense of loss and foreboding due to the subsequent shortening of days.
The author questions whether their solstice-related emotions are unique or if they reflect a broader human or Earthly connection.
There is a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ability to witness the sunrise from a new vantage point during the Winter Solstice.
The author suggests that the anticipation and reaction to the solstices might play a role in the planet's natural balance, hinting at a deeper, perhaps spiritual, relationship with the Earth's cycles.

Best wishes from a solar freak

I am always overcome with a wave of happiness on the Winter Solstice. This is because of the knowing that the days will now start getting longer again. I guess it is part of being a solar addict freak.

To me it is inspiring that I can experience this happiness on the shortest, coldest, darkest day of the year. Sadly, on the Summer Solstice, the day with the most amount of sun of any day (in the Northern Hemisphere), I feel a wave of dread knowing that the days begin getting shorter.

Are these expectations part of what helps maintain the planet’s wobble? Or are they just personal reactions? Is it a natural part of being an Earthling?

I have been delighted to learn that from one of the windows in my new apartment I can watch the sunrise for about two weeks before and two weeks after the Winter Solstice. This is nice when there are six inches of snow on the ground and the temperature is below that of a polar bear’s frozen margarita. Thanks to the buildings and trees, the rest of the year I have to go outside to find an unobstructed view of that precious moment when the sun pokes its head above the horizon.

I hope all you other Earthlings, no matter where on the planet you are, are enjoying your experience with the Winter Solstice.