About the Gathering
As the year draws to its quiet close, we gather to mark the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year and the turning point toward the returning light. Across cultures and centuries, this has been a time to pause, reflect, and honour both the darkness and the promise of renewal.
The Solstice invites stillness. Nature has drawn inward; the trees have shed their leaves, the soil rests, and the air carries a gentle quietness. We are reminded that rest is not idleness, but an essential part of the cycle of growth. Just as the earth needs dormancy before spring’s bloom, so too do we benefit from slowing down, reflecting on what has passed, and allowing ourselves to dream of what might come next.
With this in mind, the Solstice is a great time to tune into the magic of the season and reflect on where we’ve been putting our energy and where we may want to put our energy in the year ahead. Around here we do a a Winter Solstice ritual that helps us identify experiences we want to have in the year ahead and map them out visually.
Join us for great conversation and a creative alternative to the ‘new year resolution’ thing.
What to Expect
Simple opening welcome ritual to set the tone and theme
Seasonal reflections
Informal community connection
Shared vegetarian/vegan meal
Creative ritual practice
You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels right.
Who It’s For
This is an open, kind and inclusive space for open, kind and inclusive people. We organise our gatherings based on those who come and participate in them. The aim is for these gatherings to be collaborative. If you find there are barriers to participating, please reach out for a chat about how we might remove those barriers.
Read the This Mortal Life FAQ for more info.
Important to Know
This is a community gathering, not therapy or a support group.
While conversation and reflection are welcomed, participants remain responsible for their own wellbeing. You are always free to observe, participate or step away at any time.
Practical Details
🌿 Indoor setting
👥 Small group size, 10 max
☕ Our gatherings are alcohol-free, the Random Mug provides a variety of alcohol free drinks and seasonal hot drinks.
Full arrival information will be shared after you RSVP.
About Your Host
Esther Hall is a Creative Community Facilitator, End of Life Companion and Founder of This Mortal Life, where we create spaces that explore how awareness of mortality can deepen our experience of living and belonging. I’m on a journey of learning to live more aligned with the natural rhythms of nature, and welcome anyone who’d like to join me.
Join Us
📍 The Random Mug, Weston-Super-Mare
📅 Sunday, 20th December
⏰ 4pm - 6.30pm
💰 £2.50 each for room hire + you will have the opportunity to buy warm seasonal drinks at the venue, snacks provided.
👥Limited spaces available, DM Esther (WhatsApp, Instagram or email hello@thismortallife.co.uk) to reserve your seat at the table for this special afternoon.
Follow along on Instagram for updates - @thismortallife.uk