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That’s me standing atop Mt. Haleakalā ten minutes after sunrise on the winter solstice. (Click image to enlarge).

For the winter solstice I stood atop a mountain taller than Mt. Everest to see the sunrise.

Taller than Mt. Everest? Has Dr. Dean been taking too much magnesium?

Honestly, I did. Mt. Haleakalā may tower only 10,000 feet above sea level… but if you start measuring from the floor of the Pacific – including the part that’s underwater – it dwarfs the Himalayas.

Check out the following photo and note the unique streaking effect of the sun caused by the altitude and volcanic atmosphere (click image to enlarge)…

This was taken about ten minutes after sunrise on December 21. The shortest day of the year – a fact more evident to those living in Alaska than Hawaii.

Our ancestors were keenly aware of the winter solstice. It meant that light would conquer darkness. That the days would stop getting shorter and the nights longer. That the cold winter would begin to retreat and another year of growing would return.

It’s probably no coincidence that the early Christians chose three days after the darkest day of the year (when the solstice falls on the 22^nd) to celebrate birth of the “light of the world.”

Modern media makes us think we are dependent on paychecks and superstores. Taking time to marvel at these natural wonders helps you realize what really sustains us. Such contemplation naturally leads to a lifestyle more in tune with what really keeps us healthy and happy.

P.S. Another way to attune yourself with nature is by harvesting wild herbs. If you haven’t yet, check out the Gallagher family’s Learning Herbs website by clicking here.

P.S.S. Having trouble finding time to exercise with all the holiday activity? Check out a Wellness Tip From the Future from last October: No Time to Exercise?

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