Hello,
Welcome to your winter solstice meditation.
The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is the day with the fewest daylight hours,
Sometimes referred to as the shortest day or the longest night of the year.
If you are here in the north,
It is also when your shadow will be longer than at any other point of the year,
Because the sun is at its lowest point in the sky and its furthest point away from us.
Cool right?
The winter solstice gives us a beautiful gift before taking a break for the busy holiday celebrations.
We are invited to take a moment to observe,
Nourish,
Rejuvenate our mind,
Body and spirit.
The word solstice can roughly be translated to sun stands still.
We often think of the solstice as a whole day,
But it's actually just a moment in time,
A pause.
So that's what we're going to do.
We're going to pause.
If you want,
You could light a candle and gaze into the flame,
Or perhaps sitting in front of your Christmas tree,
Gazing at the lights.
Alternatively,
You can soften your gaze or close your eyes.
Feel your body connect to the ground.
Notice what sensations or feelings arise as you sit here.
Allow yourself to be still.
Allow yourself to relax.
Continue to breathe naturally and evenly in through your nose,
Out through your nose.
Observe any thoughts in your mind.
Give yourself permission to let go of any thoughts that are unnecessary in this moment.
Just noticing your breath,
Just feeling into your body.
The solstice is a moment in time to just pause,
Breathe,
Rest and relax.
Be peaceful.
Be grateful.
Tomorrow the sun will start a new solar cycle,
A new season,
And with the new season will bring many changes.
Now is the time to let go of the things,
People and situations that no longer serve us.
This is a time to let things go,
Look forward and welcome in positive changes.
This is a time of transformation and finding the light that glows inside of us as the light around us diminishes.
It's easy to get lost and sad in the darkness,
So now is the time to hold the light and prepare us for winter.
Now is the time to review what we need to move forward,
Who or what will support us,
What will help keep us warm,
Comforted and give us positive energy to flourish.
Change is the rhythm of the universe.
It's the one thing that you can always be certain of.
Nothing stays the same.
Nothing lasts forever.
So if you find yourself struggling with the darkness,
Remember that after the darkness there will be light again.
This is the time to let things go,
To look forward.
Take a long,
Slow,
Deep breath in through your nose and then release the breath through your mouth.
Welcome in any sighs or noise that wants to come out with that breath.
Again taking a deep breath in through your nose.
Open your mouth and let it go.
Let your body relax.
Let the earth hold you.
The winter solstice is a wonderful time to pray for all that we want to bring to light.
During the season,
Let us offer a blessing for those who are lost to find their way.
May those who are weary and worry find comfort and peace.
May those who are injured or ill find recovery and health.
Those who struggle without find their abundance within.
And may those who are lonely find companions.
Those who feel unworthy find love for themselves.
May these dark times bring forward the brightest light.
The dark times are a great time to rest,
To renew our energy.
And it is in this great dark period of rest that we do the most healing.
As you sit and breathe,
Imagine that you are breathing in the warm,
Comforting sun.
Allow the light and heat to wash over you.
Breathe in this warm light to help clear any energetic blockages.
Feel this warm light embrace you like a hug.
Allow the light to radiate over you.
Allow the light to highlight any energy that is available to us to change the direction of our lives at any time we wish.
How can you maximize this energy as you enter into the new year?
How can you let your inner light guide you everywhere you go?
Whether you are a winter warrior or a summer lover,
There is something special in the way that we celebrate and honor this unique time of year.
You might choose to light a candle in the evenings to honor the sun as it sets or move through some sun salutations with the sun as it rises.
Perhaps this meditation is your way to honor and celebrate the solstice.
Slowly focus on bringing your energy back into your body.
Open your eyes slowly,
Let your gaze wander,
Taking in and noticing what's around you.
Imagine any movement,
Perhaps a big stretch or a big self hug.
Happy holidays and many blessings to you.
Stay amazing,
Stay grounded and thank you for meditating with me.
