Hello everyone,
My name is James.
The holidays can be a stressful time for all of us,
And this year especially so.
Even if you feel like you don't have anything to celebrate,
I think you'll find that with a little bit of focused breathing and relaxation,
You'll look forward to the new year with renewed optimism.
First you'll want to find a comfortable place to sit.
If your home has a meditation room like mine,
You might want to do some decorating.
Some people like Tinsel,
Macy's has some great seasonal candles for under $25.
I'd just like to remind you that it can be dangerous to meditate with an active flame burning in the room.
Once you've found a comfortable place to sit,
I'd like you to close your eyes and take a deep breath in.
.
.
And out.
.
.
Deep breath in.
.
.
And out.
.
.
There's nothing you need to be thinking about.
No cookies to bake,
No gifts to buy.
This moment is for you and you alone.
Deep breath in.
.
.
And out.
.
.
Breath in.
.
.
And out.
.
.
As you're breathing,
I want you to imagine your breath going all the way from your nose down to the bottom of your feet,
Bathing you in a soft white light.
A few more deep breaths in.
.
.
And out.
.
.
Breath in.
.
.
And out.
.
.
Now I'd like you to imagine yourself walking in a white snowy forest.
You're dressed comfortably in a warm down jacket and heavy wool scarf.
Birds flit in the tree branches above you.
A tranquil stream flows through the snow to your left.
You feel a sense of peace and connectedness to the natural world,
Completely absorbed in your surroundings.
Take note.
What does the snow sound like beneath your feet?
Does it crunch?
Or maybe you walk in fresh powder and there is no sound at all.
What kind of trees do you see?
Are they evergreens like Douglas fir,
Cedar,
Or pine?
Or is your winter wonderland more of a Michigan forest with a low gray sky and bare trees?
Is there gunfire in the distance?
Let's hope not.
There's no wrong way to imagine your snowy forest,
But if there are hunters abound,
Be sure you're wearing orange.
Now I'd like you to imagine there is someone walking alongside with you in the forest.
Just the first person to come to mind.
It could be someone from work or a deeply admired meditation teacher you've discovered on Insight Timer.
It might be a friend you've lost touch with or a family member who has passed away.
If any unpleasant thoughts or feelings arise during this time,
I want you to just breathe through them and try to turn your attention to this person beside you.
Trust your subconscious.
This person has appeared to you for a reason.
If while you are walking,
Nobody comes to mind,
Just enjoy the solitude.
This is for you.
Now I want you to imagine you've come to a clearing in the forest.
It begins to snow.
You hear the call of the great gray owl and are filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for all forest creatures.
You and your companion stop to inspect the tracks of the lone coyote.
What sort of feelings come up for you walking with this person?
What memories,
If any?
Is there a quiet contentment?
Or if the person is someone you've lost touch with,
You may be overcome with joy,
Reminded of time spent together.
Does your person look different than the last time you saw them?
Perhaps they are younger or older.
Do they radiate happiness or is their presence one of sorrow and longing?
There's something your person would like you to know.
They have a message for you.
What does your person say?
What is it that they'd like you to know?
Take a moment to receive your message.
Now it is your turn to give your person something in return.
Don't overthink it.
It could be an orange cranberry scone from Starbucks or a gift card from Kohl's.
Stay in this moment as long as you'd like.
When you're finally ready to say goodbye,
Thank the person for coming.
I know that they are with you on your journey.
When you're ready,
I'd like you to open your eyes.
Thank you all for coming.
I hope this meditation has brought you peace in this time of turmoil and transition.
Wishing you all the joy and healing in this coming year.
Namaste.
You
