By taking time to regularly reflect, meditate, seek guidance from the quiet within, we can work out many of the problems we face in the active part of our day. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere with its longer hours indoors is a time for deeper reflection and meditation on long-range goals.

To begin:
Choose a quiet place reserved for meditation; a corner of a room, even a closet can be converted to make space. Sit on a cushion or chair with your back held straight, hands folded in lap, eyes closed. Sitting before a low table with candle, burning incense and flowers is conducive to peace.

Begin even breathing: Counts 1, 2 breathe in; counts 3, 4 breathe out; counts 5, 6 breathe in; to 50 or another even number.

Stop counting and just continue to breathe evenly. Reflect on the day's events. Decide what to do about a situation that is unresolved. Re-evaluate your goals, if necessary. Plan the next day's actions to harmonize with the best for all concerned, preserving personal peace of mind in the process.

Keep a journal at your side and reflect on long-range goals. In subsequent meditations note your progress. Also, a journal used in this way becomes a valuable tool for recording issues you are going through at the time. Writing is one way to work out sticky problems in an objective rather than emotional way.

Finish the meditation with prayers or affirmations for personal and world peace. Stand up and stretch, refreshed.

Winter Prayer and Meditation
Meditation Garden in Winter
Interfaith Meditation and Prayer Celebration

Article and winter full moon photo credit Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation 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.