The darkness of Winter has descended.

        For many the long stormy nights of Winter and the proverbial dark night of the soul are uncomfortable.

        In addition to being dark, times like these can feel cold, lonely and boring. Whether the dark makes you feel sad, depressed, confused, uneasy or fearful, you may be quick to counteract your discomfort by searching for ways to create more light, companionship, and activity in your life.

        Although bringing light to a dark time may alleviate your sense uneasiness, if too much light is brought on too quickly, a magical time of healing and connection is disrupted. In the long run, you'll see more progress if you learn to work with the darkness rather than deny its existence.

The Magic of Darkness

• Being in the dark heightens our senses.
•  We hear more acutely. As a result we are more likely to catch messages from our intuition.
•  We perceive subtle connections more easily because our minds are not cluttered with extraneous details.
•  We tap our creativity more deeply. Poems, paintings, and songs are often crafted by people who are wrestling with some aspect of their life.

When you are in the midst of an inner Winter, these are precisely the skills you need to turn your situation around.

Find Comfort in the Darkness

If you find yourself disliking the dark of Winter, create ways to enhance your sense of comfort during these times. Gather:

•  A warm, cozy blanket and some big fluffy pillows to create a safe nest for yourself.
•  A huggable stuffed animal--a big teddy bear that feels like it's hugging you back is a great choice.
•  An array of candles to bring some sacred points of light to your setting.
•  A favorite CD or tape with music that moves you.