The Light is Coming
The Longest Night of the Year Behind and a New Year Ahead
Friends,
Yesterday marked the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. And now, quietly and faithfully, the light returns as Christmas and a new year nears.
This full Advent season has invited me to pay close attention.
To my own breath.
To what brings me joy, peace, hope, and love.
To what can be held with care, and to what must be released for now (keep reading, there’s a theme).
You may have noticed that Exploring Peace is currently taking a more intentional approach. One rooted in going slow and being more purposeful. One that recognizes I cannot do everything I would like to do. Goodness, that is even hard to type. Can anyone else relate?
To be honest, this past year has asked much of me. I launched a book. We downsized. My health required more attention.
At the same time, my vocational role in campus ministry continued to grow in wonderful and life-giving ways. I am deeply grateful for the students, leaders, and communities connected to our Wesley ministry and Cumberland University. There is so much joy there, so much hope, and so much good unfolding with these young adults. Holding that ministry growth with care has invited me into a more intentional rhythm, and I am grateful.
And so, Exploring Peace is not on pause. It is simply moving at a pace that honors faithfulness and peace over urgency.
As we step into these brighter days, I wanted to share a few ways to connect and gather on purpose that may bring both of us more light and peace.
Thursday Chair Yoga returns at Lebanon First United Methodist Church on 1/8/26
Chair Yoga at Lebanon First UMC returns at 9 AM on January 8, 2026, and will be offered as a weekly drop-in donation-based ($5-15) class.
I love offering this chair yoga class! There is something deeply grounding about our weekly all-levels chair yoga class with students in various stages of life. This class is accessible, gentle, and welcoming for a wide range of bodies and experiences. We move slowly, breathe intentionally, and practice listening for God through breath and body.
Click here for details on Thursday Chair Yoga.
Let’s find our routine again in the new year.
Friday Gentle Flow Yoga at Lebanon First United Methodist Church begins 1/9/26
Beginning January 9, 2026, at 9 AM, Gentle Flow Yoga will be offered as a six-week series hosted by Lebanon First UMC and led by Jess Frischolz.
I will be attending this Gentle Flow series and would love for you to join me. The series is $72 for six weeks and offers a steady, supportive flow to end your week intentionally, in a safe and encouraging community.
Space is limited, for more information and registration, click here.
Near Nashville? The Exploring Peace Shoppe Christmas Sale lasts through 12/31/25!
The Exploring Peace Shoppe at Old Hickory Social is offering 25 percent off through the end of the year.
There is limited stock of my devotional books, along with many other meaningful gifts for loved ones or for yourself. If you are nearby, I hope you will stop in and browse.
Need a Winter Visit to Blue Coast Retreat in Long Beach, MS?
If you are dreaming about time away, you can preview The Blue Coast Retreat and check availability here:
https://christiesgulfbeachrentals.com/accommodation/the-blue-coast-retreat/
If you are interested in the winter friends and family rate I mentioned earlier, email me and I will gladly share the details.
Exploring Peace Podcast Update
Many of you have asked about the pause, and yes, Exploring Peace Meditations will return in 2026.
In the meantime, you can listen to past episodes here:
https://www.exploringpeace.com/podcast.html
A Word for the Year
Interestingly, my word for this past year has been "release" (notice a theme?). I have released expectations, old rhythms, a lot of STUFF, and more. It has not always been easy, but it has been honest.
I do not yet know what my word for 2026 will be. I am listening.
If you have a word for the year ahead, or if one is beginning to whisper, I would love to hear it. You are always welcome to reply to this note.
Let’s Stay Connected through Christmas
If you would like to stay connected between email and Substack updates, you can find me on Instagram, where I will continue my Advent word practice, most days, and share small reflections along the way:
https://www.instagram.com/whitneyrsimpson
For this season, you might also enjoy listening to Advent: An Instrumental Meditation, a gentle instrumental offering that pairs beautifully with these winter days as we anticipate the birth of Christ.
The light is returning. Slowly. Surely. Faithfully.
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas,
Whitney