The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. We move into more and more darkness during the fall, and the solstice marks the shift back towards the light, and the gradual return of the sun, it's also the official start of winter, which makes it the perfect time to turn inward, to reflect on what's happened during the year behind us and look forward to what's coming in the new one before us. This winter solstice meditation will help you do just that. It includes a brief journaling session at the end. So please make sure you have your pen and journal or paper handy. Let's begin. Seated in your comfortable position, close your eyes. Relax your jaw. Soften your face. Release your shoulders and let your arms go slack. Let go in your chest and belly, hips heavy and legs soft. Supported and calm, relax your body. Now bring attention to your breath. Let's start to breathe on purpose. With your lips gently closed, jaw relaxed, start a slow, easy rhythm with your breath, inhaling and exhaling through the nose. No rush, just breathe. Notice the way your body moves with your breath. Inhale. Feel your body expand. Exhale. Feel it settle and relax. Now let's lengthen the breath. Draw it out, slow it down even more. As you inhale, slowly count to six, then the same as you exhale. An even count of six to lengthen your breath. Stay with the count and focused on your breath. Inhale for six and exhale for six. Keep these slow breaths going as you focus on your heart space. Bring your awareness to your heart. The beat of your heart, the blood in your heart, the love in your heart. As you breathe, be with your heart and your love. Allow it to expand and fill your whole body. Inhale love, exhale love.