This is a recorded essay from my Substack newsletter of the same name. Sometimes I also record dedicated podcast episodes.

This is a replay of last year’s week-before-Christmas essay and updates.

My hope for you, dear listener, is to also find solace in the dark of the year. And together may we embrace the light of the New Year with whole and loving hearts, as Dylan Thomas did in A Child’s Christmas in Wales.

Looking through my bedroom window, out into the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow, I could see the lights in the windows of all the other houses on our hill and hear the music rising from them up the long, steady falling night.

I turned the gas down, I got into bed. I said some words to the close and holy darkness, and then I slept.

Glorious Ordinary is a reader-supported publication. There are no paywalls. But if you enjoy what you read, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Also share with friends or colleagues, or heart or comment—those help a lot. To receive new posts subscribe at any level. Thank you!

Thank you for listening.

*I write essays and poetry, as well as guest posts. *I’m a mindfulness mentor, spiritual director and teacher on Insight Timer! *I’m a life and executive coach and help clients reclaim their attention and deepen their spiritual practices. Contact me to schedule a free initial meeting.

Get full access to Glorious Ordinary at valeriespain.substack.com/subscribe