Written by: Michelle Novenski of Turning A New Leaf LLC

Once again cold weather is upon us and we are called to the indoors.It seems natural to want to be inside.This time of year our whole system, physical, mental/emotional and spiritual is called within.The rhythm of winter calls for introspection.This natural tendency flows easily with the contemplative arts.Things such as meditation, self inquiry, prayer and visualization are allies of the winter season. So if you are considering adding meditation to your 2009 schedule, now is the perfect time.

With the natural rhythm on your side, you need do nothing more than slow down.As a meditation facilitator my clients share many of their experiences with me and often the biggest obstacles to beginning a practice are time and space.Let me offer a couple of hints.

First, take a moment and review your day, is there any time that you already experience peace and calm?If there is then simply expand on that.

Second, if you desire more discipline, then first understand the logistics.What time is best?Do you want to sit or perhaps move?Do you have space in your home?I myself do much better in the morning, particularly outside, even in the cold; there is something about nature that fills my being with a calm presence.To know what’s best, take a couple of days and notice how you live your life.We often operate on auto pilot and do things out of habit.Slow down and become aware, there could be 5, 10 or 15 minutes of idle time somewhere that becomes meditation.

Third, where you meditate, the clothes you wear, even how you hold your hands, can all help produce that calm, peaceful bliss?When you dedicate a space or a chair and begin to meditate there day after day, energy begins to build that is directly related to meditating.This is also called anchoring. Your brain begins to create an association between the chair, the space, or the music with feeling calm. In other words as you sit in your chair, the same time of day listening to the same music your brain knows all these things mean calm and peace.

If you know yourself well enough that this is not something that is going to happen at your home, then take advantage of the meditation sessions that are offered around the area.This is not only a great way to experience different types of meditation, it’s a good way to socialize, participate in interesting conversation and learn something new.

So as we slide into the final days of 2008 and into 2009, take a moment, feel the rhythm of the season, and allow some time to simply be.