The conclusion of the third week in December marks a time of change. In the Northern Hemisphere going from shorter to lengthening days. And in the Southern Hemisphere the days of light will gradually shorten. But no matter where you live on the planet it is a time of change.

Spiritually, the solstice marks an occasion to look at your life as a whole, to evaluate the direction you are walking; where you are heading. And the energy is present to make the changes needed to walk the talk - to step up to the challenges of leading the real life each of us want; a life of happiness.

To begin: Go to a quiet place and sit on a cushion on the floor with your legs bent in and hands folded in your lap, or lay your palms face up or face down on your thighs. Alternately, sit up straight in a chair. If you have a meditation altar light the candle and burn some incense if you wish. It is refreshing to have some boughs of pine draped across the front or a living plant or fresh flowers; whatever scents uplift you indulge in.

Start a few rounds of regular rhythmic breathing such as counts 1, 2, breathe in; counts 3, 4, breathe out; counts 1, 2, breathe in and continue this pattern for a minute. Then let go the counting but keep up the even rhythm during your meditation.

Breath is a tie between the body and mind and helps each part harmonize. When you are stressed begin even, regular breathing as just described to calm your body and mind, both.

Now, close your eyes and reflect on the following questions: What is your overall goal in life? Are you heading in that direction by your thoughts and deeds each day? What attitudes can you adopt to help you reach your long-range goals? Are there changes you can make to your daily routine that will aid in making your dreams come true? What is the first step you need to take toward your goal?

These are some of the questions to ask yourself and reflect upon to help pinpoint how you can reach the overall goal by the shortest route.

I will give you a hint here: Living each moment for what is best for each situation as a whole gives moment to moment happiness. Anything else you do is preparing yourself to make this commitment.

To finish your meditation take a deep breath in and slowly release it. Open your eyes and write out your insights and resolutions in your meditation journal. This helps make your uplifting thoughts more concrete and practical in your life.

I'd like to leave today by sharing that this is the anniversary of my vow to serve God through serving humanity. Just making the vow brought in a wave of energy to my torso, across my heart region, that has stayed with me ever since.

"When we make a sincere commitment
The Divine cooperates
By making the energy available
For its fulfillment."

Meditation by Susan Kramer; photo credit Stan Schaap

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For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.