The Cottage

The Cottage in the Snow For t Alternatively, you may want to do t Sit or lie down and loosen any tied clot Close your eyes and begin to breathe long, slow breaths. Inhale through your nose for a count of five and then exhale through your mouth counting to seven. Don't worry if you can't hold to that count. Don't force yourself. Just do what you can. Do these long, slow breaths for a short w Allow your breat Inhale through your nose for a count of five and then let your body relax. Inhale through your nose for a count of five and then let your body relax. You are walking through woodland blanketed by snow. The sun dipping towards the west floods the trees so that the snow glitters in myriad points of w You are warmly wrapped up against the winter and your boots crunch crisply into the snow. A c Not far away, dark against the w You see the prints of animals, the tracks of birds gone now to find shelter. The tree branches begin to sway in a stronger wind, a dark net of lines against a sky that is beginning to colour pink and ember red. The colours are warm but the rising wind is a herald of more snow to come. There is no sound but the wind and your own footsteps. Eventually you come to the edge of the wood. Clear of the trees you can see an ominous black line of clout pus After a moment they engulf it. A glue settles upon the land leaving it stark, black and w The wind of you runs the line of a hedge, w You walk toward it and come to a gate. You open it, stepping into what would be a smooth green lawn in the s At the end of the garden, nettle wit A t You mount the steps as the first icy flakes of snow The wind rattles the last few withered leaves clinging stubbornly to the trees and you t Walth envelops you as you step inside and close the door be You take off your outer clothes and boots and go into the nearest room. Here a fire burns merrily in the hearth. Candles are lit and lamps s Everyt The curtains have not yet been drawn against the oncoming night and show squares of darkness, the snow batting against the glass. You can still see the fairy lights of the tree sparkling through the night. You stroll into the kitchen and make yourself a hot drink, carrying it back into the other room and sitting down in a wonderfully comfortable chair. As you sip your drink you no longer mind the moan of the wind around the house. Here you are safe and warm. The house encloses you with its peace. You smell the familiar scents that you adore and look around at the room that you love, the colours and the ornaments you have chosen. You watch the flicker of the fire as the storm rises outside and your muscles relax in complete contentment. Later there will be a warm bed and a deep sleep, but for now all you need to do is feel the tranquility of the moment. As you listen to the wind, see the dance of the flames and drift into complete relaxation.