Planting Dreams in the Darkness: The Wisdom of the 13 Sacred Nights with Lara J. Day

Jul 27

Welcome back to Light Body Radio!

What if the most meaningful transformation doesn't happen during life's busiest seasons—but in its quietest moments?

Modern life often encourages us to keep moving, producing, and striving for more. As the holiday season approaches, calendars fill with obligations, celebrations become increasingly hectic, and moments of stillness become harder to find. But what if winter is inviting us into something entirely different?

In this deeply reflective episode of Light Body Radio, Dr. Lara May sits down with teacher, author, and Neurogenic Qigong practitioner Lara J. Day to explore the ancient tradition of the 13 Sacred Nights—a contemplative winter solstice practice that encourages us to embrace stillness, reflect on the past year, and intentionally plant the seeds for the year to come.

Lara shares how an unexpected journey through chronic illness shortly after becoming a mother dramatically changed the course of her life. As she searched for healing, she discovered the transformative practices of Qigong, movement therapy, and eventually the 13 Sacred Nights. What began as a personal holiday ritual soon became one of the most meaningful spiritual practices she had ever experienced.
Years later, after she and her young daughter also navigated the challenges of Lyme disease, Lara found herself diving even deeper into holistic healing. Her experiences reinforced an important truth: healing isn't only physical—it also requires emotional resilience, spiritual connection, and a willingness to slow down long enough to listen.
*One of the central themes of this conversation is our relationship with* ***the natural rhythms of the seasons***. While modern culture often encourages us to resist winter through constant activity, bright lights, and endless distractions, the wisdom of the 13 Sacred Nights invites us to embrace the darkness as a fertile space for reflection, restoration, and intentional dreaming.
*Rather than seeing winter as a season of inactivity, Lara describes it as the* ***"womb of winter"*** a time when dreams, intentions, and possibilities quietly take root before emerging in the spring. Just as nature follows a cycle of dormancy, growth, blooming, and harvest, our own lives benefit when we align with these rhythms instead of pushing against them.
*The episode also explores how* ***Neurogenic Qigong***, mindful movement, and trauma-informed practices help regulate the nervous system, release stored tension, and create the inner space necessary for meaningful healing. Together, these practices encourage us to reconnect with our bodies, cultivate presence, and move through life with greater awareness.
***In this episode, you'll discover:***
*What the* ***13 Sacred Nights*** *practice is and how it originated*
*Why winter solstice has long been considered a sacred season for reflection*
*How slowing down supports emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being*
*The connection between Qigong, nervous system regulation, and healing*
*Why embracing stillness can create space for personal transformation*
*How to align your intentions with the natural rhythms of the seasons*
*Practical ways to cultivate more presence, mindfulness, and purpose throughout the year*
This conversation reminds us that growth doesn't always happen through doing more. Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come from creating space to pause, reflect, and trust the quiet unfolding of life.
Whether you're beginning a spiritual practice, navigating your own healing journey, or simply longing for a more intentional way of living, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how nature can become one of our greatest teachers.
As Lara beautifully shares, the darkness isn't something to fear—it's where new life begins. By honoring the wisdom of winter, we create the opportunity to plant dreams that will blossom in the seasons ahead.

About My Guest:

**LARA J. DAY**

is a teacher, author, and practitioner devoted to helping others reconnect with balance, healing, and the sacred rhythms of life. Although writing a book—or creating an oracle deck—was never part of her original plan, everything changed when she discovered the profound and illuminating practice of the 13 Sacred Nights. Deeply transformed by the experience, Lara couldn't help sharing its wisdom with others, and now brings this powerful practice to audiences around the world.
In addition to her work with Sacred Nights and oracle teachings, Lara is a dedicated Neurogenic Qigong teacher and lifelong movement guide. Her teaching journey began in 1993 in the world of dance, before expanding into teaching yoga a decade later. In 2008, she discovered qigong, a healing art that quickly became the foundation of her personal and professional practice.
Lara has studied extensively with master teachers Damaris Jarboux and Robert Peng, whose guidance continues to inspire her work. In 2018, she completed certification in TRE, or Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises, and has since integrated TRE with qigong in a way that supports deep physical, emotional, and energetic restoration.
Through her teaching, Lara is passionate about guiding others toward greater harmony by reconnecting with self, Nature, and the Divine. She is grateful to share practices that have profoundly transformed her own life and the lives of so many others.

Contact Lara J. Day:

Website: https://www.larajday.com/ https://beyondword.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larajday

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larajday/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@larajday

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaraJDay

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