Heart Wisdom – Ep. 313 – Winter’s Sacred Pause: Standing Still in a Turning World

Sign up for Jack's free email teachings

As we fully enter the winter season, Jack reflects on the ancient meaning of solstice—the standing still—and what becomes possible when we allow ourselves to pause. In a world shaped by speed, grief, and uncertainty, he invites us into stillness as a sacred act.

YouTube video


“To be able to come together and not do anything is an extraordinary thing in our culture and our time.” –Jack Kornfield

In this episode, Jack explores:
  • The sacred meaning of the winter solstice
  • Stillness as a spiritual practice
  • Impermanence and the uncertainty of human life
  • Holding grief and beauty at the same time
  • Birth, death, and remembering what truly matters


“Imagine this is your last day. Who would you call? What would you say? And why are you waiting?” –Jack Kornfield, reflecting on a teaching from Stephen Levine

This Dharma Talk originally took place in Dec 2025 for the Spirit Rock Monday Night Dharma Talk and Guided Meditation. Stay up to date with Jack’s upcoming livestreams and events here.
Subscribe to the weekly Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Kornfield on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, and explore Jack’s ever-expanding Heart Wisdom Podcast library here on JackKornfield.com
Facebook
Twitter

Related Posts

Dharma and Politics

Many Buddhist practitioners have questioned what to do in these turbulent times. More than anything, I believe the world is in need of a spiritual…

The Inner Art of Meditation

Meditation is not a means of self-improvement. It is a way of discovering the truth and relating to it with compassion and honesty. Awaken to…

Vulnerability and the Tender Heart

“Ultimately it is on our vulnerability that we depend.”—Rilke As children, many of us were taught courage in the form of the warrior or the…

Subscribe to Jack's Teachings

Unlock inner peace and clarity with Jack Kornfield’s weekly teachings.
Sign up now to receive exclusive mindfulness insights directly in your inbox.