Watch clouds or moving water. Notice the silence between sounds, the space between thoughts.

Today is the day of the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.  It's the shortest day of the year and a time when ancient cultures around the world would pay homage to both the darkness and the light.

It is also an appropriate time for reviewing your past and looking to you future.

Today I invite you to create a simple ritual for yourself at this turning point of the year.  It involves setting an intention, and then doing something to symbolize putting it in motion.

I invite you to set your intention about two things.  First, take a moment to look within and connect with something in your life that you want to let go of.   Something that you feel you would be better off without.  Hold that thought of what you want to let go of.

Second, look within and connect with something that you want to manifest in your life, something your heart desires.  Again, hold that thought, perhaps writing down these two thoughts.

Then I invite you to do something to symbolize putting those thoughts into action.   Perhaps you could light a candle and meditate for a moment on these thoughts and then blow out the candle.  Perhaps you could speak them aloud when you are alone, as if in a prayer.  Perhaps you could write the thoughts on paper and then burn it in your fireplace.

However you choose to symbolize putting your intentions into motion, make sure that it involves some concrete action, and not merely thinking about it.

After you've finished releasing those thoughts and intentions, you may want to listen to the guided imagery sequence linked below.  This track -- entitled Magical Moments -- is from Joel Levey's Self-Guided Relaxation CD.  This track is an inspiration to personal excellence that you can use for further review of your past and future.  Click on either link below:

Listen to Track 3: Windows Media
Listen to Track 3: Real Audio

After today, the Sun shines longer and longer each day until we reach the summer solstice six months from now.

I encourage you to use this time now to go inward and set your intentions for the coming months of your life.

Best wishes for a stress-free and balanced holiday season.