Stoicism in Practice: mid-year Journaling, Winter Solstice clarity
Details
The Winter Solstice marks the symbolic "midnight" of the year—the moment of maximum darkness before the light begins its slow return. It is the perfect natural pivot point to pause, look inward, and audit the first six months of 2026.
This is a unique journaling event designed to help you strip away the mental "clutter" accumulated since January and harvest the wisdom found in the challenges of the year so far.
Three part Journaling Process:
- Mid-Year "Crap" Audit
As the days reach their shortest, we identify the habits, social pressures, and negative judgments that have acted as anchors over the past six months. Using the Discipline of Assent, we will ruthlessly question these attachments. If it isn't within your control, it's clutter. We will practice letting it go to make room for what is essential.
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Harvesting the Winter "Gems"
Winter is for internal growth. We shift to the Discipline of Desire, looking back at the obstacles we've faced this year. Instead of wishing they hadn't happened, we look for the "Gems"—the specific moments where we were forced to practice patience, courage, or justice. We transform our setbacks into the fuel of Virtue. -
The Return of the Light (Action for the Second Half)
As the sun begins its return, we define our "Internal Actions" for the remainder of 2026. Applying the Dichotomy of Control, we will separate our external hopes from our internal commitments.
📍 Meeting Point: We will meet under the pavilion.
Getting There:
- By Train: A 5-10 minute walk from Petersham Station.
- By Car: Ample untimed street parking is available on West St and Station St.
What to Bring:
A notebook, a pen, a warm blanket or cushion, and a thermos of something hot to keep you comfortable while we journal.
Our Intent: To start the second half of the year with focused action and resilience.
This session incorporates a journaling structure inspired by the work of psychotherapist Terri Cole, adapted for a Stoic framework.