Winter Solstice and Christmas Message and Journey on Forgiveness for Self and Others

Jon Rasmussen's YouTube video, "Winter Solstice Talk and Journey," guides viewers on a meditative journey to confront and release negative emotions. Rasmussen emphasizes self-forgiveness and embracing inner light as a path to healing and personal growth. The video uses metaphorical imagery of light and darkness, connecting it to shamanic traditions and the symbolism of the winter solstice and Christmas. He encourages viewers to practice self-compassion and extend this compassion to others, suggesting that inner transformation leads to positive external change. The guided meditation aims to help participants achieve this inner peace and transformation.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:24

Welcome to the deep dive. It's December 21st.

SPEAKER_00 0:28

Oh, wow.

SPEAKER_01 0:28

The actual winter solstice. Yeah. And we're going to explore this day in a way you might not expect. Forget the usual astronomy and history lessons. Okay. Today is about inner exploration. So we're diving into a YouTube video by shaman John Rasmussen, where he leads this guided meditation for confronting inner darkness. Which, you know, can pop up this time of year. Ever feel that a little heavier? Yeah. Maybe a bit darker as the days get shorter?

SPEAKER_00 0:55

It's a really common experience. As the external world seems to contract, our inner world often mirrors that.

SPEAKER_01 1:01

Right.

SPEAKER_00 1:02

And, you know, we can find ourselves wrestling with those difficult emotions or memories.

SPEAKER_01 1:06

Yeah. Rasmussen suggests we actually need inner light and warmth just as much as we crave the sun's return. It reminds me of that phrase, as within so without. What do you make of that idea?

SPEAKER_00 1:16

It's an ancient concept suggesting this powerful link between our inner state and our outer experiences. We're carrying darkness and negativity within. It can manifest in how we perceive the world around us. Think about a time you were feeling down. Did the world seem a bit dimmer too?

SPEAKER_01 1:36

Yeah, totally. Okay. So how do we deal with this inner darkness? Rasmussen talks about the importance of embracing and forgiving these dark, heavy, unseen places within us.

SPEAKER_00 1:53

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 1:53

Sounds pretty abstract, though.

SPEAKER_00 1:55

It is. But you can think of it as radical self-compassion.

SPEAKER_01 1:59

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 1:59

He's not saying to ignore those feelings, but rather to treat ourselves with understanding.

SPEAKER_01 2:02

Right.

SPEAKER_00 2:03

Like we would a friend who's struggling. He even uses this great metaphor of hugging ourselves, accepting those parts of ourselves we usually try to hide.

SPEAKER_01 2:11

Yeah, that's a powerful image. And he specifically talks about the tendency to blame ourselves even when we feel like we were victims of circumstance. We've all been there, right? Yeah. Replaying past events, wishing we'd done things differently.

SPEAKER_00 2:23

Absolutely. Rasmussen's key message here is letting go of that self-blame. Instead, try viewing those experiences with compassion, recognizing that you did the best you could with what you knew at the time. Right. Hindsight's 2020. But beating yourself up over it helps no one.

SPEAKER_01 2:39

So true. So how does forgiveness tie into Rasmussen's shamanic perspective?

SPEAKER_00 2:45

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 2:45

He introduces this no blame, no victim, no perpetrator idea.

SPEAKER_00 2:49

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 2:49

And I have to admit, that's pretty mind-blowing. How can there be no blame when someone's been hurt?

SPEAKER_00 2:53

Right. It's definitely a challenging concept.

SPEAKER_01 2:55

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 2:56

Um, it asks us to step outside the usual framework of assigning blame and seeing things as simply right or wrong, good or bad. Right. Instead, it encourages a more holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and understanding that everyone plays a part in the larger picture.

SPEAKER_01 3:14

So it's less about pointing fingers and more about understanding the situation from all angles.

SPEAKER_00 3:18

Exactly. Now this doesn't mean condoning harmful actions, but rather acknowledging the complexities of human behavior and the often unseen forces at play. Rasmussen challenges us to reflect on situations where we might be holding on to blame or guilt, either towards ourselves or others.

SPEAKER_01 3:34

Aaron Powell That's a great point. We often get stuck in those cycles of resentment or self-recrimination. How does Rasmussen propose we break free from these patterns?

SPEAKER_00 3:44

This is where the guided meditation in his video comes in. It's filled with powerful imagery and symbolism.

SPEAKER_01 3:49

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 3:50

He starts by having you visualize a light in your heart, representing your soul's essence.

SPEAKER_01 3:55

And he emphasizes that this light is connected to both a higher power, which he calls God, and to the earth.

SPEAKER_00 4:02

Right.

SPEAKER_01 4:02

That grounding element is really interesting.

SPEAKER_00 4:04

Right. It reinforces the idea that we're not alone in this journey. We're connected to something larger than ourselves.

SPEAKER_01 4:10

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 4:10

Both above and below. From there, he guides you to imagine that light expanding, first filling your body, then extending outward to encompass the entire world.

SPEAKER_01 4:20

It's such a powerful visualization, shifting from that limited, ego-centered perspective to a more expansive, interconnected way of being. And the breathing exercises he incorporates seems so effective. Breathing in warmth and light, almost like drawing in the energy of the sun.

SPEAKER_00 4:37

And then breathing out any heaviness and guilt, releasing what no longer serves you.

SPEAKER_01 4:42

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 4:43

It's a tangible way to experience the process of letting go. He also uses fire imagery, a really powerful metaphor for burning away negativity and allowing for rebirth.

SPEAKER_01 4:56

Like a ritual cleansing. This is where it gets really interesting. Rasmussen connects his shamanic teachings to the teachings of Jesus.

SPEAKER_00 5:03

Right.

SPEAKER_01 5:03

I have to admit that surprised me.

SPEAKER_00 5:05

It is unexpected, isn't it?

SPEAKER_01 5:06

It is.

SPEAKER_00 5:07

But it highlights his open and inclusive approach. He's not trying to convert anyone, but rather demonstrate the common threads running through different spiritual traditions. Right. The core principle is the same. Whether we call it forgiveness of sins or releasing negativity, it's about letting go of the past and embracing a fresh start.

SPEAKER_01 5:25

And that message resonates deeply, especially during the Christmas season, a time when many are already contemplating renewal and hope. He seems to be urging us to see the winter solstice in Christmas, not just as holidays, but as opportunities for deep inner work and transformation.

SPEAKER_00 5:42

Exactly. He also encourages us to approach this work with self-compassion.

SPEAKER_01 5:46

Right.

SPEAKER_00 5:47

Accepting that we're all on a journey and perfection isn't the goal.

SPEAKER_01 5:50

It's okay to stumble, make mistakes, and have doubts. The important thing is to keep coming back to that intention of bringing more light and warmth to ourselves and to the world.

SPEAKER_00 5:59

And remember, this is a continuous practice. Right. Not a one-time event. It's about cultivating a way of being rooted in forgiveness, self-love, and embracing the fullness of our human experience.

SPEAKER_01 6:11

Now that brings up a question for you, our listener. What's one thing you could let go of this winter solstice? What burden are you ready to release to make space for new light? We'll explore that and more when we come back. Welcome back. We've been exploring shaman John Rasmussen's approach to the winter solstice. And it's clear this isn't just about one specific spiritual path. Right.

SPEAKER_00 6:31

Whether you connect with shamanism, Christianity, or something else entirely.

SPEAKER_01 6:36

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 6:37

These ideas of forgiveness and self-acceptance are pretty universal, right?

SPEAKER_01 6:43

Absolutely. And what's fascinating is how Rasmussen ties this inner work to something bigger.

SPEAKER_00 6:49

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 6:50

He suggests that by healing our own wounds and letting go of negativity, we actually contribute to a more harmonious world. Trevor Burrus, Jr.

SPEAKER_00 6:57

It's like that ripple effect, right? You know, be the change you want to see and all that.

SPEAKER_01 7:02

Right.

SPEAKER_00 7:02

But how does this actually play out?

SPEAKER_01 7:04

Well imagine if everyone focused on cultivating their own inner light and warmth. What if we all approached each other with more understanding and compassion?

SPEAKER_00 7:13

Right.

SPEAKER_01 7:13

Even those who've hurt us in the past.

SPEAKER_00 7:15

Okay, so back to the guided meditation.

SPEAKER_01 7:17

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 7:17

We talked about some key elements, the light in the heart, connecting to a higher power, and the earth, that expanding light.

SPEAKER_01 7:24

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 7:24

What stood out to you as particularly powerful?

SPEAKER_01 7:27

It's the combination of visualization and breath work that gets me. You're not just passively picturing these concepts.

SPEAKER_00 7:33

Right. But actively engaging with them through your breath, inhaling that warmth and light.

SPEAKER_01 7:39

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 7:40

Almost like you're drawing in the energy of the sun.

SPEAKER_01 7:42

And then exhaling the heaviness and guilt, physically releasing it.

SPEAKER_00 7:46

Exactly. And Rasmussen emphasizes giving yourself time and space to process these emotions.

SPEAKER_01 7:53

Okay.

SPEAKER_00 7:54

Sometimes you need to sit with the discomfort to truly feel the full range of your experience.

SPEAKER_01 8:00

He even compares it to tending a fire.

SPEAKER_00 8:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 8:03

Sometimes you need to stoke those flames to burn away old patterns and make space for new growth. It reminds me of that saying: new beginnings often require messy endings.

SPEAKER_00 8:13

It's so true. Transformation isn't always pretty.

SPEAKER_01 8:16

Right.

SPEAKER_00 8:17

Or straightforward. There will be setbacks. Yeah. Moments of resistance, maybe even a temporary intensification of those difficult emotions. But it's in that surrender to the unknown that real growth and liberation happen.

SPEAKER_01 8:30

Let's go back to that surprising link Rasmussen makes between shamanism and Christianity. You know, the idea that forgiveness of sins and releasing negativity are essentially the same thing.

SPEAKER_00 8:40

It speaks to his open-minded approach. He's not advocating for one belief system over another, but rather highlighting the shared wisdom in different traditions.

SPEAKER_01 8:49

Right.

SPEAKER_00 8:50

Ultimately, it's about letting go of the past, regardless of what we call it.

SPEAKER_01 8:55

Aaron Powell And that resonates so strongly during the Christmas season, a time when people are already thinking about hope, new beginnings, and you know, the birth of something new.

SPEAKER_00 9:05

It's like Rasmussen invites us to view both the winter solstice and Christmas as opportunities for inner transformation.

SPEAKER_01 9:13

And he encourages us to do this inner work with kindness and acceptance. Right. Recognizing that we're all on a journey.

SPEAKER_00 9:19

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 9:20

Not striving for some impossible standard of perfection.

SPEAKER_00 9:23

Aaron Ross Powell It's okay to make mistakes, to have doubts, to stumble along the way. What matters is that we keep showing up for ourselves, flaws and all, and offer ourselves that warmth and understanding.

SPEAKER_01 9:34

So for our listeners, what practical advice can they take away from all this? What can they do to bring this winter solstice wisdom into their own lives?

SPEAKER_00 9:45

The most important thing is to consciously cultivate that inner warmth and light.

SPEAKER_01 9:49

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 9:49

Especially when surrounded by darkness or negativity.

SPEAKER_01 9:52

Yeah. And there are so many ways to do that, right? Whether it's meditation, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, expressing gratitude, or simply doing things that bring you joy.

SPEAKER_00 10:04

It's about finding those practices that nourish your soul and reconnect you with that inner light. And remember to be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge those struggles and imperfections. Yeah. And treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend going through a tough time.

SPEAKER_01 10:21

We're all in this together, navigating the complexities of life.

SPEAKER_00 10:24

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 10:24

And sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply show up for ourselves, vulnerabilities and all.

SPEAKER_00 10:30

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 10:31

And offer ourselves that warm embrace.

SPEAKER_00 10:33

It's a beautiful message, especially during this time of year.

SPEAKER_01 10:36

As we wrap up this part of our deep dive, let's leave our listeners with one final thought. If you could release one past regret or burden, what would it be? And how might letting go of that weight allow you to embrace the light more fully? We'll be back after a short break to explore that question.

SPEAKER_00 10:57

Welcome back to our winter solstice deep dive. We've been talking about letting go of burdens, and I don't know about you. Yeah. That question really got me thinking: what could I release to make space for more light in my life? It's a powerful way to approach this time of year, isn't it?

SPEAKER_01 11:13

It is. It's almost like consciously choosing what you want to carry into the new season. Right. And what you're ready to leave behind.

SPEAKER_00 11:19

Exactly. And it reminds me that we really do have the power to shape our own reality.

SPEAKER_01 11:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:24

Both inside and out.

SPEAKER_01 11:25

Right.

SPEAKER_00 11:25

By releasing those old hurts and regrets, we free up energy to create something new and beautiful.

SPEAKER_01 11:30

It's like clearing out the clutter to make room for the light to shine through.

SPEAKER_00 11:34

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 11:34

Both within ourselves and in the world around us. That's a great analogy. And it brings us back to that core message of the winter solstice. Even in the darkest of times, the light always returns. It's such a powerful reminder of hope and renewal.

SPEAKER_00 11:48

It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. No matter what we've been through, there's always the possibility of a fresh start, a chance to begin again. And we're not alone in this journey. Right. We're all part of something much bigger than ourselves, connected to this vast web of life.

SPEAKER_01 12:04

That sense of connection is so important, especially during this time of year when we can sometimes feel isolated or overwhelmed.

SPEAKER_00 12:11

Absolutely. So as we wrap up our deep dive into winter solstice wisdom, let's remember that it's not just a date on the calendar.

SPEAKER_01 12:19

Right.

SPEAKER_00 12:19

It's a powerful opportunity for transformation and renewal.

SPEAKER_01 12:23

A time to honor the darkness, embrace the light, and step into the fullness of who we are.

SPEAKER_00 12:29

And to approach this journey with self-compassion.

SPEAKER_01 12:31

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 12:32

Knowing that it's okay to stumble and make mistakes along the way.

SPEAKER_01 12:35

We hope this exploration has sparked some new insights for you and inspired you to approach this season with intention and a renewed sense of possibility.

SPEAKER_00 12:44

Happy solstice, everyone.

SPEAKER_01 12:46

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 12:47

May your days be filled with warmth and light.

SPEAKER_01 12:49

And may your hearts be filled with peace and joy. Thanks for joining us on the deep dive.