One of the things I love about living here in Western Maryland is our change of seasons. Each new turning of the Wheel of the Year brings a way to integrate the changes in the natural world into our lives. The lush growth of summer is past and most of autumn’s vibrant leaves have fallen. The bare trees and shrubs reveal the underlying landscape more clearly. We can see further into the woods and the great stones and ridges of our region are again visible. When spending time outdoors, the birds and animals still out and about are more noticeable. This is a season of contrast, outline, and clarity.
It is perhaps unsurprising that many Pagans shift their spiritual practices in response to this change of seasons. The outward spiral of gatherings, festivals, and events begins to turn inward. We seek a focus for the winter months. We connect once more with contemplation practices that may have dropped during the whirl of activity that characterizes the growing and harvest seasons. The natural clarity of winter inspires a desire for inner clarity as well.
One component of most Pagan spiritual practices is meditation. However, the word “meditation” too frequently triggers anxiety in people due to a narrow definition. The archetype of the perfectly still adept seated in silent meditation is deeply embedded in our cultural understanding of what meditation means. The good news is that there are many different forms of meditation. The goal of a meditative practice is simply to guide attention and awareness for better mental clarity and calm. That goal can be met seated, of course, but it can also be met through movement, different targets of focus, and more. If you find yourself reaching toward a more centered calmness this winter, consider exploring different types of meditation in order to find one that serves you well. Continue reading…
