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W inter provides nature with an opportunity to reset. Similar to the stillness in meditation, trees go dormant and animals hibernate. Consider our human body in this season; perhaps we could reflect on how we will emerge this spring. This invitation includes a partner. Settle down, find stillness, rest your thoughts and listen to your creative voice. Doing so might unlock your own colors and sounds for the season to come. You and your partner will take turns reading the following meditation script. Before you begin, comfortably sit cross-legged on the floor. Prop your hips on a folded blanket or pillow so that they are slightly above your knees. If the floor isn't accessible, consider sitting in a chair with your feet firmly on the floor. Be comfortable enough to find stillness for the next 10 minutes. Slowly read through this guided mediation script, making sure to pause after each sentence. Pause even longer at the end of each paragraph. Inhale deeply to prepare, then exhale completely. Bring awareness to your breath. Soften your gaze or perhaps close your eyes. Elongate UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVITY BY MARIA ANDRADE your spine. Gently place your hands on your knees, palms up or down, you choose. Relax your shoulders, your jaw and your thoughts. Listen to the sound of my voice. If you find your thoughts wandering, come back to your breath and the sound of my voice. Slow down your next inhale, hold, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Let's repeat this three times together. Now, settle back to your natural breath. Imagine a warm orange glow of light surrounding your body. With each inhale, the light moves like a wave, rising up the front of your body to the top of your head. Exhale as it moves down the back of your body. Being creative or having creativity: What does that mean for you? Does it mean using your hands or your voice or an instrument? Visualize your favorite forms of art and expression: A mural? A good book? A great meal? A beautiful design? Call to mind a time when you felt creative. The Hindu goddess Maa Saraswati gifted humans with learning, speech and wisdom. Consider what creative outlet she gifted you? Saraswati has four hands. She carries a script, a mala (rosary), a water pot with purifying power and a musical instrument. Imagine you have four hands. Invoke your creative nature. What are you carrying? What creative tools can you use? Are they concrete? Abstract? I invite you to create something that brings you joy, something you find beautiful. Let these images roll around. Slowly find small movements in your body and bring awareness back to this space. Open your eyes. Take one more cleansing inhale and let it go. Reflect on your mediation. Acknowledge what arose. Practice this meditation a few more times before spring. Once you land on a project, consider starting around March 20. Use the vernal equinox as an action date. Much like the spring, I believe you are ready to bloom. Maria Andrade is a certified Grounded Kids Yoga teacher. Contact her at 478-361-7246 or learn more at groundedkids.com. SUBSCRIBE TODAY HELLO@MACONMAGAZINE.COM 478.746.7779 92 maconmagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022