A Winter Meditation
During these days before the solstice, in the deepening dark, allow yourself to be seduced by that luscious darkness. Sometimes there is fear of the darkness, I know this well myself. But try to consider it not as a place to fear, but as a safe place, warm and soothing, nourishing and restorative. Allow yourself to see it as a place of hibernation, where you move away from any coldness and harshness, the overstimulation and busyness of the physical world, a healing place where you can indulge yourself in periods of creativity, healing, and rest.
Find a cozy place, sit or lie down. Wrap yourself in a soft blanket, a cup of tea or cocoa at your side, perhaps some very soft, relaxing music or silence, as you like. Lean back and read along, traveling with me.
Let your body relax, sink in to your cozy place, and take some deep breaths. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply but easily into your belly. At your own pace, gently, gently, and relax.
Visualize yourself at the entrance to a cave. The air is warm and comfortable, the scent of the earth rich and soothing. You walk forward with the knowledge that you are perfectly safe at all times on this journey.
As you walk forward, you feel yourself descending down an incline. There is soil and stone all around and roots hang from above. There are small lantern’s hanging here and there gently lighting your way. You are completely relaxed in this place, any worries are released, there is only contentment here.
You gaze around and notice lovely stones of different colors embedded in the soil of the walls. And you keep walking, down, down, deeper into Mama Earth, feeling more and more at peace as you go.
And now you notice the ground has become more even and you see ahead of you a door in the earth. It opens in welcome and there is light and warmth. An old woman stands there wordlessly inviting you to enter. There beyond the door is a room, the walls lined in richly colored fabrics of all kinds. A hearth of rough stone is opposite the door, a fire brightly burning. Soft, pillowy chairs are arranged near the hearth, and the woman waves a hand towards the seats. So… you sit gazing around at the wonderful colored fabrics on the walls, their embroidery of leaves and flowers, animals and insects, mushrooms and birds so pretty and alive. The colors are stunning, almost hypnotic, and you feel an incredible soothing sensation wash over you. This room embraces you a gentle energy.
“Be comfortable here and rest yourself,” says the old woman. Her voice is soft. “This time of year is such a rush, take a break with me here. Chat with me or just enjoy the crackle of my fire. All is well here, all is well for you.” She serves a warm beverage, just what you like. You wonder how could she know. Her eyes are bright, you feel such reassurance in her presence, as if you have always known her.
There is no need to know who this woman is, you just intuitively know that she is someone you can be at ease with, who offers a peaceful respite from your world. Relax in her presence, rest and allow her healing to flow over you. The lovely walls, the beautiful embroideries, the warm and inviting energy, all soothe your entire being. Let yourself drift.
After a while of rest you may have a question, a need for clarification of something in your life. This old one will have a bit of advice to share so listen carefully, open your heart. Is she speaking to you?
When you are ready, say thank you and farewell. Walk through the Old One’s door. Move easily up the incline, perhaps a stone will offer itself to you as you walk. Breathe in the rich scent of roots and stone and earth. Breathe in deeply of Mama Earth’s energy.
As you move up returning to your own place, the gentle peace of the Old One’s room remains, as does the knowledge that you can return anytime you like or need to. She is always there, at all times, offering rest, healing, and peace.
Return now to your own place, restored.
Blessings dark and deep!
C 2025 EA Kaufman
