Now that Winter is upon us, I wanted to share two of my photographs that show the stunning beauty that Winter can offer.
Photos by Franny Alexander
A Solstice Meditation
I follow many other yoga practitioners, and wanted to share this lovely meditation that I received from Heart Space Yoga:
Good morning. As I write this, the sky is a light pinkish purple with the sun rise. This soft hue is reflected on a blanket of crystal white sparkles. A beautiful start to this day.
What do you think? In all the busy-ness, hustle and holiday preparations, can you take time today (even just a short while) just for you, to sit, reflect, release, and open?
Today is the sacred Winter Solstice -and the sky just keeps growing more beautiful by the way! Today marks the deep pause at the end of the Earth’s exhale. Winter Solstice is an opening or portal into deep space. It is timeless, motionless, limitless, Stillness. A space that contains all possibilities.
You are that space of infinite awareness. Take some time today to embrace the emptiness. Find yourself a warm quiet space, sit comfortably, and press PAUSE.
SOLSTICE MEDITATION
- Sit tall in your spine, close your eyes, and relax.
- Turn to your breath.
- Watch and feel the movement of the breath within your body with no effort or judgement.
- Understand that YOU are the one watching your breath.
- YOU are the SPACE that contains the breath and all movement of Shakti
- YOU are the SPACE that HOLDS all movement of your mind.
- Watch the moving, turning, thoughts as you continue to know and remember you are the Space, and the one who is watching.
- Allow yourself to melt into that openness, release form. In a way, we allow for death, to pass through us. Recognize this release as a natural part of the infinite cycle.
In meditation, we merge with Pure Awareness. We practice letting go of the personal grip, the struggle of personal identity. As humans with minds, we naturally become attached to the movement of life, and individual waves of expression. This is what we call the “ego” aspect of who we are. Not to be seen as a problem, but there is so much MORE.
In order to grow and expand the beauty of our lives, it is necessary to LET GO.
Release allows for rebirth.
Exhale serves the inhale.
Death serves Life.
Winter Solstice is a perfect time to let it dissolve.
After your meditation, take a few moments to reflect in this drawing end of another decade. Look back, 10 years ago:
What was your biggest challenge back then?
How did you feel about who you were?
What has come, and what has passed?
What have you learned? What do you know now?
For example, there were times in these past 10 years I lost confidence in who I am and what I offer. The deeper I doubted, the more miserable I felt. I finally recognized this pattern of Self Sabotage. After some journaling and close inspection (Self study “Svadyaya”), I realized what I was doing, and how I was feeling was NOT the highest TRUTH of who I am.
As soon as I really felt this, and decided to shift my thinking, EVERYTHING turned around. I LEARNED that lesson!
Does this mean I won’t ever doubt or lose belief in who I am? I wish! These patterns are usually very deeply ingrained in our emotional landscape. Which means they usually re-surface.
BUT, I know I have “seen”, and learned the lesson behind this one. So, I now can recognize it when it comes up, and do my best to NOT INDULGE MYSELF in this pattern again. There is no need. It’s cycle has come into fullness, now I can “opt out”, and LET IT GO.
This is where prayer, and Mantra become so helpful. As we redirect our minds to the infinite, the attachment to the wounds and scars of past begin to release. We can effectively “untie the knots” that block the flow of Love and greater possibility.
Today we honor the letting go. When we empty out, we effectively make way and create the space for the next building cycle.
The silence and darkness, allow us to see the source and spark of our innermost light. Feel it’s warm glow illuminate you. As you bask in that light, allow your deeper hearts desire to emerge. This is the longest night of the year. In this darkness, there is nourishment.
Here, in this fertile dream space, plant the seeds of your True intention.
Dare to ask yourself, how you want to feel and who you want to be in this new year.
We are continuously evolving as individuals and as a species. Even in our set backs, we cannot help but evolve. One step at a time, with clear intention we make change. Set your aim high in your true worthiness. Work for the benefit of ALL. Receive the gift of your own Divine creativity and take joy in your creations!
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi
PEACE….PEACE….PEACE