Do not be afraid of the darkness.
Dark is the rich fertile earth
that cradles the seed, nourishing growth.
Dark is the soft night that cradles us to rest.
Only in darkness
can stars shine across the vastness of space.
Only in darkness
is the moon’s dance so clear.
There is mystery woven in the dark quiet hours.
There is magic in the darkness.

Do not be afraid.
We are born of this magic.
It fills our dreams
that root, unravel and reweave themselves
in the shelter of the deep dark night.
The dark has its own hue,
its own resonance, its own breath.
It fills our soul,
not with despair, but with promise…

— Stephanie Noble, excerpt from Celebrating the Winter Solstice, 1995

Stephanie Noble is the author of Asking In, Six Empowering Questions Only You Can Answer. She has practiced and taught insight meditation for decades. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Buddhist Insight Network, an international organization that connects teachers, sitting groups and retreat centers. Her guided meditations are available on Insight Timer, a free worldwide meditation app.