As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, at least here in the northeast, it’s natural to turn inward. It can be a challenging time, even with—or perhaps despite—all the holiday preparations. Maybe you have get-togethers planned with family and/or friends. Or, perhaps you don’t, and are feeling alone.

Either way, it can be a difficult time to keep on doing business as usual.

So, give yourself a break. Take time for yourself, take time for self-care. So often we keep ourselves distracted from what’s going on inside of us with all of our obligations.

If you’re feeling especially vulnerable, limit your time with stressful people and events. Focus on all the challenges you’ve overcome this year. This doesn’t mean necessarily that you’ve even achieved a ‘grand goal.’ Simply living each day, with courage and persistence is something to be proud of.

Make a soothing warm drink. Read an inspiring book. Cook a nutritious meal. Take a walk in nature. As the the darkest day of the year later in December approaches, look for the light inside of you. For light exists inside each and every one of us.

Here is a brief meditation to increase awareness of your inner light.

Clear a space on a table or on the floor. If you have an altar table, sit in front of it. Alternately create a small table where you have placed some favorite objects: a plant, a statue, a photo of a peaceful place.

Place a candle there and light it.

Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, crossed at the ankles, or even in a cross legged position with your legs and feet folded onto the seat of your chair. If you prefer, you can sit on a cushion on the floor. If you do this, put the cushion underneath you so that your buttocks rest on the cushion and your feet rest on the floor.

Place your palms in a comfortable position in your lab, one resting on top of the other, thumbs gently touching.

Take a few deep breaths in and out of your nose, then let your breathing take it’s own, natural course. Settle down. Relax. When thoughts arise, notice them, then return to gently noticing your breath and your body.

Gaze softly at the candle flame for several minutes. Whenever this becomes uncomfortable, gently close your eyes and then return to the flame. Continue to notice your passing thoughts and return your focus to the flame.

Close your eyes. If you focus on the space between your brows, you’ll begin to see the light of the candle, as well as your own “inner light.” It may be dull at first, but will become more noticeable the longer you stay with it.

Now move into your heart area. If there is any tension, just notice it. Breathe into it. Bring the light and warmth of the candle light to your heart. Stay here for several moments. Allow the light to expand.

Then notice the breath and light moving down and around, throughout the rest of your body. Notice the light and breath spreading its calming influence within you. Allow it to expand beyond the confines of your body.

Rest in stillness.

“It is never too late to turn on the light. Your ability to break an unhealthy habit or turn off an old tape doesn’t depend on how long it has been running; a shift in perspective doesn’t depend on how long you’ve held on to the old view.

When you flip the switch in that attic, it doesn’t matter whether its been dark for ten minutes, ten years or ten decades.

The light still illuminates the room and banishes the murkiness, letting you see the things you couldn’t see before.

Its never too late to take a moment to look.”
― Sharon Salzberg, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation