CELEBRATING THE DARKNESS
The winter months moves us into a time of diminished light, of shorter days and longer nights. While the winter solstice promises us the light to come, we are held within the quiet of dark starlit nights. Moments of silence and darkness, of inner reflection are a very important part of this time of year. What do we do to celebrate these deepening and expansion of night? What can we do to allay the compulsion to fill our moments with activity instead embrace silence and inner reflection?
There is something magical about sitting in the dark. The tempo and pace of life immediately slow. We are moved to take a deep breath and relax. In fact, the darkness signals our physical bodies to relax. Our systems know that darkness is time to slow, reflect, and move into a place of quiet. We can use this to our advantage and experience new levels of reflection and creativity. Thought takes a more expansive path, when allowed to freely explore without excitement. Creativity and inspiration have more room to flourish in the quiet nightly moments.
Many of my articles for Aura include meditation and visualization practices to help us get in tune with new or expanded rhythms within ourselves. Let us explore the possibilities of quiet celebrations to bring expansion and renewal into our lives. These creative and simple practices will help you tap into a deeper place of being and nourish your inner self with the open vistas of night skies.
FIVE MINUTES OF MIDNIGHT
I find the later hours after midnight to hold more silences and peace. It is not simply that there is less physical activity or distraction. There is also less psychic and mental activity buzzing around our world. Bring yourself to a deepening of inner peace by taking five minutes of quiet time at midnight. While you are fully awake, sit comfortably in a chair with the lights out. Take several deep breaths and simply keep your eyes open to the darkened room. While, initially, your eyes may wish to decipher the different shapes and furnishings, they will soon get used to the simple darkness and you will relax, gracefully. Thoughts may flow; ideas may percolate, but keep quiet and still for the full five minutes. You will find that you sleep more deeply, and when you wake in the morning you will feel brighter, happier and more alert. The refreshing space of darkness becomes a rejuvenating elixir!
DANCING IN THE DARK
There are many times when thoughts become clearer at night. Quiet moments can fill us with inspiration and clarity. To prepare for this technique, have pen and paper nearby for use once the meditation is complete. Sit in a comfortable position in a darkened room. Take several slow and relaxing breaths. Open yourself to possibility. Inwardly, imagine that you open a doorway to greater possibility in your life. Since this is open possibility, you do not know what it looks like, what it may reveal or what arena it will encompass. Simply sit in the chair and imagine that you are open. Let yourself move into an inner state where you are open to something new and inspirational. This is not work. You are not trying to solve existing problems or gather new ideas for products, services or business. The dark can create expansion and openings for you and engage your imagination in new, undiscovered ways.
When you feel quiet and centered, say to yourself, “New possibilities have room to grow in my life. I am open to creative and inspired possibilities.” Repeat this affirmation several times as you sit in the quiet. When any inspired thoughts, new ideas or intriguing possibilities reveal themselves, take a deep breath and say thank you. It is better to write them down after the meditation, so you can feel the full extent of the possibilities. This practice brings greater flow, openness and harmony into your life.
SILENCE OF STARS
Another way to embrace the darkness is to take time to watch the night sky. It is definitely cold on a winter night, but a clear and pristine vision of dark sky and stars brings an ancient rhythm into your soul. Since humanity’s initial awakening into consciousness, we have gazed at the stars in wonder and inspiration. Now, too often, the lights of our celestial friends go unnoticed. Living in New Mexico gives me the distinct advantage of being able to see the full Milky Way and view more stars that I can hold in my vision. On clear, windless nights, I bundle in my warmest clothes and sit for twenty minutes outside on a chaise lounge to look at the sky. Sometimes I am fortunate to see the meteor showers or shooting stars. Other times the stars are a punctuated presence in the night. I created a simple meditation to expand my silence and my connection with the depths of winter nights. Of course, you can do this from the warmth of your living room, too.
NIGHT MEDITATIONS
Sit or recline in a relaxed position that grants you a great view of the stars and sky. This practice has several parts to it. Take five deep breaths and allow your body to ease into the semi meditative space. Next, take fifteen slow, deep breaths. On the inhaling breath, imagine that you inhale the light and beauty of the stars. On the exhaled breath, mentally say thank you to the stars, the sky and the darkness. You will feel a deepening of your own energy. Next, take fifteen breaths in silence. Look at the night skies and be open to the flow and inspiration this beauty contains. Then, take fifteen slow deep breaths and repeat the meditation of inhaling the starlight and exhaling gratitude. Repeat this sequence for as long as you like. This mediation brings a deepening sense of peace. You may notice being calmer, feeling more in line with your life, your path and the world.
EMBRACING THE SILENCE OF THE NIGHT
The benefits and gifts of the darkness seem to go unnoticed in our busy winter months. Yet, we can explore the magic in the gifts of darkness. We can celebrate the expansion of night and embrace silence with inner reflection, new possibilities and pure appreciation for the gifts in our lives.
© 1997 -2009 Lumari. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Published in Aura Magazine
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