Planting Seeds of Hope

Today, walking by the river, showers of autumn leaves were falling from the trees and being carried along by the stream. The sun was shining through the trees and I had that I love autumn feeling. However, like many people at the moment I also feel a sense of apprehension at the thought of facing the winter ahead during a pandemic. Here in the UK the Covid restrictions we are living under change from week to week, and there is the impending threat of another lockdown hanging over us. Over the past couple of days, I've found comfort, amidst the gloom of world news, from reading through the Autumn Turns to Winter chapter in the Yoga Through the Year book, and working with the autumn to winter meditation questions.

Although the autumn-to-winter period is not a good time for action, it’s a great time for incubating ideas and making plans for next year. Yes, of course there is uncertainty about what the future will hold, but it's still good to dream and envisage how you would like things to be- after all magic happens!
Below are some meditation questions to help you visualise your plans and priorities for next year (Work, home, holidays, relationships, adventures, etc.):

• What do I wish to incubate over the winter, ready to send up fresh, new, green shoots in the spring?
• Which projects do I wish to nurture and nourish, ready to launch into the world next spring, and so take full advantage of the growing season energy?
• If I were to imagine a world where anything is possible, what would I envisage my future to be?

When you answer these questions allow yourself to be bold and dream up a wonderful future. At the same time be aware of any worries and concerns that arise. Embrace both your fears and hopes and dreams with kindness and compassion. 

See also:
How to Use the Meditation Questions
​Stopping, Calming, Resting, Healing
The Autumn to Winter page of this website
​And the Samhain page